Guyanatimes 06-16-2017

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3243

Friday, June 16, 2017

PRICE

In solidarity with GAWU

International Unions support sugar fight Page 3

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Serious crimes P11 down by 5% – Police

... to save workers’ jobs

US Embassy revokes visas for MPs Seeraj, Dharamlall Opposition says Petroleum Commission Bill “slick”

Manufacturing sector starved of incentives P9 – GCCI

Page 13

PPP/C MP Nigel Dharamlall

PPP/C MP Dharamkumar Seeraj

Page 13

– Jagdeo dubs it “Trotman Petroleum Commission”

Bandits rob electronics store near Albion Police Station – getaway car found, some stolen items recovered

Trotman loses cool in vitriolic attack on Jagdeo

Page 7

Page 10

…as Petroleum Bill gets sent to Special Select Committee

Woman’s P11 body found at Vreed-en-Hoop identified

Man apologises to woman P8 for stealing handbag

Stabroek P9 Block holds 2 billion barrels of recoverable oil

2 news

friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo suggests amendment to Constitution – to select non-Guyanese to head GECOM

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lmost five months and two lists later, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is now suggesting to President David Granger that there be an amendment to the Constitution to allow for foreign nationals to be nominated to the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Jagdeo said this was one of the propositions he made to the President when he met with him on Monday to discuss a way forward on the GECOM matter.

Jagdeo made this disclosure at a People’s Progressive Party (PPP) pub-

lic meeting held at Robert’s Square, Enmore, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday.

The former Head of State said, “Why not let us jointly amend that part of the Constitution, where we can submit now; we can search around the world so my list now can show people from around the world, some of the best people from around the world, so that is one of my suggestions.”

While the President has not agreed with this suggestion, Jagdeo said he (Granger) suggested a counter proposal of establishing a search committee that could possibly comprise six respect-

ed individuals; three from each side. But Jagdeo argued that this would only enable the President to pick one of the nominees instead, which according to him, is a direct violation of the Constitution.

“I made it clear that there has to be three prevailing conditions under which we will reach an agreement if we are to move forward in exploring new options. One is whatever is agreed in the committee must satisfy both parties.

Secondly, it must be constitutional and the third precondition is it must not violate the delicate balance that the Carter Centre Formula has put in place,” he asserted.

Jagdeo said he also reminded the President during their meeting that while he (the President) had identified several criteria for the selection of the GECOM Chairman, they were not part of the Constitution, but they are merely his interpretation. Jagdeo also highlighted that it might be highly unlikely to find someone who has a “deep knowledge in electoral matters, especially someone who is not political.”

“It is almost impossible to meet that condition,” he asserted, describing the President’s move to reject two previous lists (comprising six persons each) as “unreasonable”. The first list submitted by the Opposition Leader was rejected on the basis that it did not include Judges, retired Judges or someone eligible to be a judge.

The second list, however, included two retired Judges and three Attorneys-at-Law, but the President claimed that all of the nominees have to be acceptable to him and he had not been presented with a range from which to choose.

The Opposition has long argued that the Constitution is on its side and the interpretation of the constitutional provision on the appointment of a GECOM Chairman had been settled by the People’s National Congress (PNC) with the then party leader, Desmond Hoyte, SC, even submitting Granger’s name twice for the top GECOM position.

“I said to him (President) we don’t agree with your interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution; never-

President David Granger

theless, we are prepared to work to ensure that we have a chairman,” he added.

Jagdeo told party supporters at Enmore that the Opposition had no choice but to continue submitting lists because if it did not do so, the President may want to unilaterally appoint a chairperson.

He cautioned again that if the President did so, that decision would be challenged in the court. “And I’ve already made that clear: that if he seeks to appoint a person of his own choice, that will be unconstitutional and illegal and we will fight it in the courts and on the streets, all of us together. We have to do that, because it’s about the future of this country,” he added.

Jagdeo, in April last, had submitted to President Granger a second batch of six nominees for the post of Chairman of GECOM. They were Retired Justice of Appeal BS Roy; Retired Justice William Ramlall; former Magistrate Oneidge Walrond-Allicock; Attorneys Kashir Khan and Nadia Sagar; and businessman,

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Captain Gerald Gouveia.

Retired Judges Desiree Bernard, Claudette Singh, and Attorneys Ralph Ramkarran, SC; Timothy Jonas and Ronald BurchSmith turned down his requests to be nominated.

This second list followed Granger deeming the first list “unacceptable” in early January 2017 because none of the nominees were a judge, retired judge or eligible to be appointed a judge.

Granger’s rejection of the list was in keeping with his interpretation of Guyana’s Constitution.

The President subsequently amended his position that a GECOM Chairman must be a fit and proper person, but also must not be an activist or member of any political party.

A case filed by a private citizen with a view to secure an interpretation of the constitutional provision for the appointment of the GECOM Chair is currently pending in court. That matter will continue in the High Court today.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 16 – 09:30h-11:00h and Saturday, June 17 – 10:30h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, June 16 – 08:40h-10:10h and Saturday, June 17 – 09:40h-11:10h.

In solidarity with GAWU

International Unions support fight to save sugar workers’ jobs

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy skies with light rain showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly and East South-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 09:03h and 21:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.33 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:34h and 15:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.90 metre and 0.82 metre respectively.

wednesDAY, June 14, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

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FREE TICKET

Thursday, June 15, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 05 07 10 13

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

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friDAY, june 16, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and former Government Minister, Anil Nandlall, addressing a small gathering to observe Enmore Martyrs Day

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s Government moves forward with plans to scale down the sugar industry, a few international bodies have expressed solidarity with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union’s fight to safeguard the employment of thousands of workers.

The Agro-Industrial Workers’ Union (AIWU) of the Russian Federation stated its commitment to the local union’s advocacy, and urged GAWU to inform the relevant authorities that AIWU and its one million members support the fight to save the local sugar industry.

“We stand with you in your advancement of a plan for the sugar sector which focuses on the needs of workers and their communities and wish you every success in preventing privatisation and job destruction. Please convey our union’s solidarity to your members and please feel free to notify the authorities in Guyana that you have our support in your struggle,” AIWU stressed.

Similar solidarity sentiments were shared by the Amalgamated Trade Union of Swaziland (ATUSWA).

“We stand with you in your advancement of a plan for the sugar sector which focuses on the needs of workers and their communities and wish you every suc-

cess in preventing privatisation and job destruction,” ATUSWA Secretary General Wander Mkhonza noted.

Meanwhile, The Hindustan Unilever Ltd (PPF) is also in support of GAWU’s measures to protect jobs in the local sugar industry.

“We stand with you in your advancement of a plan for the sugar sector which focuses on the needs of workers and their communities and wish you every success in preventing privatisation and job destruction,” Kripanath Sonowal, President of the Hindustan Unilever Ltd (PPF) Worker's Union Doom Dooma in India, stated.

On Wednesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in a meeting at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, called on all Guyanese and people living in the sugar belt to continue to fight to save the industry.

The Enmore Sugar Estate is slated for closure by yearend and sellers in the area have stated that they are already feeling the impact of the imminent closure.

The Opposition Leader highlighted to the gathering the dangers that lay ahead for the 10,000 workers who stood to lose their jobs and their families.

Jagdeo added that the closure of the industry has the potential to affect close

to 50,000 people, and, in his view, it was a “political, discriminatory decision on the part of the Government”.

Jagdeo reiterated that the sugar industry could be sustained and become viable if more attention was placed on fixing the current problems. He also recalled that between 1976 and 1996, sugar made a huge contribution to the Treasury in the form of the sugar levy.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his presentation of the 2017 Budget had indicated the status

quo of the sugar industry could neither be sustained nor maintained.Jordan had explained that based on the structure at that time, the industry would require Government’s support to the tune of $18.6 billion and $21.4 billion for the years 2017 and 2018 respectively. The Minister had explained that based on the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the sugar industry, it was concluded that any money injected into the industry in its current state was money wasted.

Stalwart Harry Persaud Nokta and other Party members make their way to lay wreaths in homage to the five Enmore Martyrs during the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Le Repentir Cemetery

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friDAY, june 16, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Enmore Martyrs and sugar

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oday Guyana will be observing the 69th Enmore Martyrs Day. The remembrance this year is significant as it comes at a time with great challenges for the sugar industry which has been dealt with a significant blow, leaving its future ambivalent.

The Enmore Martyrs – Lallabagee Kissoon, Pooran, Rambarran, Dookhie, Harry - were shot and killed in 1948 as they were protesting the struggles of workers who were suffering in the prime of colonialism in Guyana.

More so on that fateful day sugar workers were on strike demanding the abolishment of the existing “cut and load” system that existed. Kissoon, 30, was shot in the back; Pooran, 19, was shot in the pelvis and leg; Rambarran died from wounds in his leg while Dookhie and Harry died a day later in the hospital. Following the incident, thousands marched from Enmore, East Coast Demerara to La Repentir Cemetery in Georgetown, a distance of about 16 miles, to bury the five.

The funeral procession was led by former President the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan along with a number of trade unions. Every year, on this day, Guyana pays homage to the five, who lost their lives in the struggle for the betterment of their working conditions that existed across the sugar belt. Sixty-nine years later, sugar in Guyana is at a cross-road as dismantling of the industry has had impacting consequences on entire communities. These consequences are not only significant to the lifeblood of communities but have economic repercussions for the country.

What has been argued by analysts and commentators is the fact that had the Government conducted a social and economic impact assessment before making life changing decisions on the sugar industry, it would have had first-hand information on how such would have dire bearing on the sugar belt.

As was previously stated, very little was mentioned about how the Administration intends to deal with the communities that would be affected due to the large number of persons who will be out of employment. As a matter of fact, economists have argued that about 10,000 persons are going to be shifted from having stable employment and a financially healthy standard of living to unemployment and a bleak, devastatingly uncertain future, but with almost absolute certainty of transforming into livelihoods engulfed in poverty.

It should also be noted that more than 48,000 dependents will be adversely affected immediately.

While Agriculture Minister Noel Holder did speak of diversification as a means of cushioning the impact, nothing has been said on how this will be done.

It is peoples’ livelihoods that would be affected by the decisions of the Government and this newspaper supports the view that they deserve to be fully engaged on what matters to them. As has been argued, policymakers cannot just make decisions at the top and proceed with implementing those decisions without taking into consideration how peoples’ lives would be impacted.

The martyrdom of those five had served as a catalyst for the significant changes that ensued afterwards but today those struggles are eminently returning. Today as we remember and commemorate the death of the Enmore Martyrs, Guyanese should ensure that we guard ourselves from the emergence of new forms of repressions which were fought by the five men who lost their lives in the struggle for a better life.

Flying Stars: At Aerofestival, an air show in Poznań, Poland, a team called the Turkish Stars flies in formation. The air show started in 2015, welcoming large crowds to watch hours of acrobatic flying (Photo: Mariusz Prusaczyk, National Geographic Your Shot)

Had Rodney been alive today, his erstwhile ‘comrades’ would have persecuted him Dear Editor, June 13 marked the 37th anniversary of the death of one of our most distinguished sons, Walter Rodney. He was assassinated by the PNC regime, as has been revealed by the recently held Commission of Inquiry -- that is if any confirmation was needed as to who was responsible for his murder.

Rodney died almost as long as he lived, yet his name is still being called by many.

He is held in high esteem by ordinary people of our country and further afield. This is so because of how he lived his life and the contribution he made in the world for peace, freedom and justice, both nationally and internationally.

He stood with working people.

He returned to Guyana in 1974, by which time he had gained renown regionally and internationally as a scholar and a revolutionary.

He is revered in Jamaica and held in high esteem in Africa, for his work in those parts of the world -- not just his academic work, but his activism and his stance on the side of the working and oppressed peoples everywhere.

In 1974, when he came back to his homeland, it was a time when the PNC dictatorship was consolidating itself. It was also a period of growing resistance to the dictatorship. This was seen in the massive way and the lengths that the PNC regime went to rig the elections the year before, in 1973.

Even before Rodney had

arrived, a huge meeting protested the decision of the PNC regime, through its control of the University of Guyana Council, to refuse to offer this distinguished scholar a job in the History Department of the University. Actually, the UG Academic Board had given Rodney the job, but the PNC-dominated Council, which included Hamilton Green and Viola Burnham, reversed the decision.

That meeting was held at the corner of Middle and Cummings Streets. It was supposed to be addressed

by Cheddi Jagan and Eusi Kwayana, among others.

It was brutally broken up, many persons were injured.

The PNC regime was running scared when they saw unity being manifested.

Rodney came back and threw himself in the struggle. His views almost totally coincided with that of Cheddi Jagan and the PPP. However, he did not join the PPP. Some would ask why?

In my view, he felt that if he did, the PNC would use race to brand him, the way they used it before to attack the PPP, and the way it was used by APNU before the 2015 elections, and the way it is being used even now.

Being of African descent, the regime could not play the race card on him. By not joining the PPP, the PNC could not brand him a sell-out.

And that exposed the African Guyanese masses to progressive political views, which the PNC had denied them be-

cause of its constant preaching of, and manipulation of, race. Rodney was taking away their racial trump card.

As I have pointed out before, Rodney was killed not only because of his views.

Actually, most of what he advocated was also being advocated by the PPP. He was murdered because he was an African Guyanese advocating those views. In a way, therefore, his death can be described as a racial killing as well.

This anniversary of Rodney’s killing is taking place at a time when we see clear tendencies towards another PNC-style dictatorship. The PNC dictatorship of 1968-92 crept up on us.

This new PNC led APNU regime is galloping in the same direction.

In the first place, the regime is dominated by former army officers. As everyone knows, an army is not a democratic institution. The training and orientation of the main personalities in the APNU regime is militaristic, and therefore not democratic. This is a military government in civilian garb.

One of the first actions was to close the Rodney Inquiry before it concluded all its work. It is still of great interest to know what President Granger knows about Rodney’s assassination. After all, he was the number two man in the army at the time. It is of similar interest to know what Minister Harmon knows about this political murder. He was the

Deputy Head of the army’s intelligence when the assassination occurred.

This is probably why they shut it down as one of their first acts. This Government, with a panache for commissions of inquiry, did not want this one. Indeed, they dreaded it. This put a nail to their talks about transparency.

The head-long dash towards the old PNC order is seen in how the state institutions are being used to harass the political opposition today. The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) are being used as instruments of oppression, discrimination, and to try to destroy the professional lives and livelihood of many Guyanese who are suspected of being supporters of the PPP/C. The witch-hunting is getting worse every day.

Racial and political discrimination have once more raised their ugly heads in our land. These, of course, are the outcomes of a policy wherein undemocratic methods are being used to govern.

It is clear that witch-hunting and tactics to scare the population as a whole are being used. The evidence of their undermining of democracy is seen everywhere.

Just look at what is taking place in the regions. In Region Five, some of the most brazen administrative methods are being used to frustrate the democratically elected officials. continued on page 5

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

The PNC on full throttle in coalition’s marriage of convenience

Dear Editor, The latest casualty to hit the headlines is the demotion of WPA coalition member Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and the elevation of Nicollette Henry to the substantiated position of minister of Education.

This move came as no surprise to most right thinking persons in this country, because we told that gullible coalition partner what would be the outcome should there be a merger of the two parties to seize power. Simply put they were forewarned that such a marriage of convenience would not last.

They were warned that with such a larger more aggressive partner the situation would deteriorate into the WPA being overwhelmed and practically bullied into a corner. All of these things were meticulously put to the WPA long before they got into that sordid arrangement with the PNC/APNU, but they never listened to the voice of reason. They were only inter-

ested in getting into office - whatever the risks - and nothing else.

Well, as the saying goes history has repeated itself and the PNC has finally reigned in the smaller "poodle like WPA" into subjection. Even more distressing is the fact that Mr Granger has replaced the seasoned, well qualified, educator with a virtual unknown which places a huge stumbling block in the path of progress and development in this country.

And if that is not enough, this move was done on the anniversary of the founder leader of that party. What a shame! But such is the occurrences in a place called Guyana, where anything goes.

Did someone say "I can do what I want, how I want, whenever I want." Most certainly, those were the words emanating from the lips of the most top legal personnel in this country, hence we are now witnessing the effects

of those terse reminders.

Make no mistake my People, the PNC which forms the core of APNU and by extension "The Coalition" has taken full control of the power base in this country and no one can stop them.

The WPA who should have at least acted in the capacity of "checks and balances" to ensure that there are no excesses on the part of the PNC is silenced forever. It is the PNC and the PNC full throttle.

I wonder what the charlatans like the Freddie Kissoons are saying right now? These were the individuals who were shouting from the rooftops that the PPP/C were a dictatorship.

I wonder what are his comments now seeing the last real surviving member of the WPA/APNU merger has been swallowed up whole?

Come on Freddie, speak up!

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Florida Guyanese event discriminatory Dear Editor, Without entering into the merits of the arguments in the tit-for-tat fray between Florida-based Wesley Kirton and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, I wish to point out that the act of inviting only select people to attend an event organised by a notfor-profit organisation in the USA is discriminatory, and would be illegal. The organisation can be subjected to sanctions by the state – and this has been done in the past to deter organisations (their leadership) from engaging in discriminatory actions.

In America, no not-forprofit organisation can discriminate (openly or subtly) against, or exclude, anyone wishing to be a member or attend its open functions. All of its activities must be open to the public. As I found in my studies of American Constitutional Law as part of my doctoral studies in Political Science and American Education Law (requirement for those of us who are licensed to work in Educational Administration), Supreme Court rulings (which become law) clearly state that non-profit organisations are open to the public, and access cannot be re-

Had Rodney been alive today...

Parliament is also being reduced to a rubber stamp.

One of the characteristics of a democratically functioning Parliament is that it becomes a forum for debate and discussion of all national and critical issues. These features are absent from this Parliament. The Speaker is worse than Sase Narine ever was under Burnham.

Rodney would have been fighting against these things had he been alive today.

What is very tragic in today’s situation is that many of the persons who stood with Rodney, running around shouting, “People’s power! No dictator!” are now killing his ideas and strangling the ideals he stood for.

Most of the leaders of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) are now supporting the new oppression that is being practised. They are openly facilitating the emergence of another PNC-style dictatorship.

If Rodney were arriving in Guyana now, it would most certainly be many whom he had thought were his comrades who would work to harass, witch-hunt and silence him.

The difference with

Rodney and his erstwhile colleagues that survived him is that Rodney was able to cross the racial boundaries and advocate for a multi-ethnic democracy with equal opportunity for all at its foundation. He demonstrated strong opposition to any form of discrimination.

Those that survived him have shown their incapacity to cross the racial lines.

Their own black nationalism has led them not only to support the party that is responsible for the murder of Walter Rodney, but to be active participants in the process of persecuting people just because of their race, and to secure for themselves the so-called ‘good life’.

Only David Hinds of them all has made some feeble protests. However, he is a bundle of contradictions.

Whenever he criticises this regime, he always qualifies that criticism by explicitly stating that the PPP/C Administration was worse.

He states this without providing a shred of evidence to support his position.

The main message he sends is that despite the hardship that people are facing, they must continue to

support the regime. This is collaborating in the massive racial and political discrimination that is occurring every day in this country.

He, too, seems incapable of freeing his mind from the racial prison. His protests seem to be coming from a love for Rodney personally.

However, on the whole, he continues to stand aside and let our country slide back into the darkest period of

from page 4

the 1970s and 80s. He has lost his objectivity.

Those who pay lip service to Walter Rodney should use this anniversary to re-examine themselves and get back in the struggle for a democratic and non-racial Guyana.

It would be good if they can do so, but I doubt it.

Donald Ramotar Former President

stricted, except under (rare) special cases.

An act of discrimination or exclusion which seemed to have happened regarding attendance at events in New York and Florida would be one ground under which a non-profit organisation can lose this status or face a discrimination lawsuit.

And non-profit organisations must account for all money raised at all of their events.

In its charter, in order to be granted non-profit status, an organisation must state or accept it will not discriminate against anyone, before the government accords that status. It is assumed that all events would be open to the public. The organisation cannot have a function and pick and choose who would be invited or attend, unless there

are compelling reasons – danger to public, etc. It can charge a fee for its function; and those who don’t want to pay the fee can be excluded.

If it is a free event, it cannot compel anyone to pay a suggested US$35 fee (Florida) or US$20 (NY), as that would be considered an illegal discriminatory or misleading act. A suggested US$35 or US$20 fee cannot be made compulsory.

If the organizers of the “government functions” in Florida and NY pick and choose whom to invite and to vary its attendance fee (haphazardly) for patrons at a particular event, clearly it would be a discriminatory act.

Yours faithfully, Dr Vishnu Bisram

CoI on sugar industry recommended privatisation Dear Editor, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo reportedly referred to a letter which gives me authorisation to discuss the possible privatization of GuySuCo, in whole or in part, with potential investors; and he accuses the APNU/ AFC Government of misleading the Guyanese people and making a sham of consultations with stakeholders.

Mr Jagdeo is misguided on this issue.

This sensitisation of possible investors tells the story of the Government's efforts to save the sugar industry. The CoI on the sugar industry recommended privatisation among the options to save the industry. Note that this authorisation is to enter into

discussions, as distinct from negotiations.

In my view, it is good strategy to sensitise possible investors to this possible opportunity, while holding consultations with stakeholders to determine the best possible options for saving the industry, its workforce and their families.

So the consultations are not a sham; and the efforts to sensitise suitably qualified companies, particularly those with the capital, experience, expertise and commitment to add value and diversify, is a laudable approach, especially if other options fail to save the industry.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

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Foundation

– we’re procrastinators when it comes to picking gifts for Dad

By Kit Yarrow, PhD

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f this year is like last, on Saturday there will be nearly twice as many people than on a normal day in June trolling around their local department store looking for something – anything – that will work as a gift for dad. And according to an analysis of Bank of America’s more than 40 million credit and debit accounts, they’ll be at sporting goods stores and liquor stores in significantly higher numbers too. Clearly we’re waiting until the last minute to shop for dad.

As a psychologist, I can tell you that the primary reason for procrastination is not knowing what to do. We’re stumped when it comes to buying for dad and he’s not helping. Booze, brunch and sports equipment have edged out ties and aftershave as perennial favourites, but they’re still cliché.

Most of the dads I’ve interviewed in my research as a consumer psychologist say the same sort of thing when asked what they’d like for Father’s Day. “Oh, nothing” or “I want my kids to be happy” are nearly universal replies. With probing I can get answers like, “a homemade card” or some sort of baked good or meal. Almost never do I get anything specific, be it a shared experience or a shirt, and that helps to explains all that department store meandering and gift card purchasing.

The problem with figuring out what to get dad on Father’s Day is that though dad’s roles are changing, they’re still better givers than takers. The provider, rather than recipient, aspect of being a dad is entrenched (thank you, dads!).

Meanwhile, the emotional constraints that previous generations of fathers were stuck with are loosening up and today’s fathers enjoy a greater level of emotional intimacy with their kids.

And that’s one of the reasons why people increasingly want to treat dad on Father’s Day, and why Father’s Day is catching up to Mother’s Day in consumer spending. If only we knew what to buy.

There has always been a gulf in consumer spending when it comes to Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. More people celebrate Mother’s Day (85 per cent compared to 77 per cent); they spend more on gifts (US$186 compared to US$135) and total spending for the Mother’s Day holiday is nearly US$24 billion compared to US$15.5 billion for Father’s Day. But that gap is narrowing, signalling a change in the role of dads.

Some of the reasons for the disparity in spending are demographic. There are simply more moms: fewer than 20 per cent of single-parent households are run by fathers; and women/ moms live lon-

ger than men/

dads.

But the more significant reason is the enhanced emotional connection that fathers have with their children in today’s more egalitarian households. The socio-cultural shift toward spending more on fathers doesn’t mean that kids love their dads more today – but it does indicate a more intimate relationship where kids know their dads better and fathers are allowed a broader, more personal and intimate role in the household.

But, what to give dad?

Drawing on “favourite gifts” fathers I’ve interviewed have received in the past, here are three ideas: Activities.Men are doers by nature. Doing something dad wants to do with him is a winner. Play his favourite sport with him or help him with a hobby – even if you hate it. I used to “help” my dad with woodworking. Holding those boards steady wasn’t my idea of fun, but it sure made him happy and now that he’s gone I wish I could do it one more time.

Food. This is the one thing that the dads I’ve interviewed actually say they want. It’s a triple treat: doing something, yummy food and YOU. Jack’s daughter bakes his “favourite” fromscratch brownies every year.

According to Jack, the personal delivery and time spent together are actually better than the brownies.

“How can I tell her after all these years that the brownies aren’t that good? I love getting them though.”

Crafts. No matter how old the kid, a homemade card turns most dads to mush. If homemade isn’t your thing, have something made by clever artisans.

– help him to take better care of himself so he’ll live to see his grandchildren any dads will focus much more on taking care of their family and children than of themselves. Part of the reason for that is that many dads are afraid to find out all the things they need to do to be healthier and then all the arguments or excuses they will have to make when they don’t follow through.

Sometimes it’s simply being stubborn and not wanting to change. And by the

that say to him, “I/we are scheduling (he can always change the time) an appointment with your doctor and/or a nutritionist and/or a physical therapist and/or a personal trainer. What day of the week is best?”

Then say, “And we’re going with you to it!” (to further avert his wiggling out of it).

Perhaps the most effective way to motivate your dad to take better care of himself is to have “skin in the game” yourself. To do that say to him, “I’ll make a trade.

way, nagging spouses often aren’t that successful in getting them to do it.

If however you’re one of his children and instead of lecturing him, you tell him how afraid you are that he’ll have a heart attack, stroke, etc, if he continues to not take care of himself, you might break through.

When you speak to him, come more from your fear of his dying than from your frustration with him. In fact, the more emotional you get about that fear, the more effective you’ll be.

Also try the sales technique called the assumptive close. To do

If you do a, b and c to take better care of yourself, that you don’t want to do but which matter to me, I will do x, y and z to improve or fix things in my life, that you’d like me to do that I don’t want to do... and you get to choose what they are.”

You may not want to use the latter approach, but it may be the most effective.

As a dad I can think of several things that would make my children’s lives better if they did them that I’d trade with them taking better care of myself in a heartbeat (pun intended). (psychologytoday.com)

By Mark Goulston, MD

M

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

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friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Trotman loses cool in Dr Roopnaraine to head vitriolic attack on Jagdeo Sacked as Education Minister

resuscitated Public Service Ministry

...says "you serve at the pleasure of the President”

T

he Working People’s Alliance (WPA), the political party that Dr Rupert Roopnaraine represents in the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, was not consulted on his removal from heading the Government’s largest budget Ministry to heading a Ministry within the Ministry of the Presidency.

Dr Roopnaraine confirmed this minutes before Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly was convened, but was evasive as reporters attempted to get clarification.

According to the former Education Minister, he “didn’t request,” the move – seen as a demotion by many – to the Ministry of the Presidency.

He told reporters, “You serve at the pleasure of the President.”

The Minister did indicate to reporters staking out the sitting of the National Assembly that “it’s a new challenge…Well, I must say I am looking forward to the new Ministry.”

Touching on his tenure at the Education Ministry, Dr Roopnaraine told media operatives, “I did, I believe, the best I could in the Education Ministry; we got some things achieved.”

He declined to offer a comment on speculation that the move was in relation to his declining health.

The Minister also confirmed for media operatives that the WPA was never consulted and instead pointed to a meeting with President David Granger, at which point the request was made.

The announcement of Roopnaraine’s demotion came on the same day as Dr

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine now heads the resuscitated Public Service Ministry

Walter Rodney’s 37th death anniversary.

WPA executive, political activist and professor, Dr David Hinds has since indicated that the party would be writing the President expressing its concerns about the shake-up and to request a meeting.

According to Dr Hinds, one of the party’s concerns relate to the lack of consultations.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland at the beginning of the sitting of the Assembly formally indicated to the members of the House, the creation of the Public Service Ministry to be headed by Dr Roopnaraine.

Dr Scotland read out the instrument issued under the Ministry of the Presidency designating Dr Roopnaraine as Public Service Minister effective June 14, 2017 and that he shall remain a member of the Cabinet Council of Ministers.

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who has since been elevated to acting Education Minister this past week, declined to

speak with media operatives when approached.

She instead scuttled past reporters, gesturing that a comment would be made at another time.

The announcement of the Cabinet reshuffle was announced this past week

by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon who stated that President Granger had full confidence in the ability of his Ministers and in Roopnaraine.

At the time of the announcement, he said that Roopnaraine’s transfer followed a discussion the Education Minister had with Granger.

“The President further briefed Cabinet that a Department under the Ministry of the Presidency will be created to oversee innovation and reform in the education sector. This Department will be under the President. In the meantime, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry will continue to perform the functions of the office of the Minister until further notice,” he said.

…as Petroleum Bill gets sent to Special Select Committee

T

he long awaited Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill was yesterday sent to a Special Select Committee of Parliament for further consultations and refinement following a robust debate in the National Assembly.

The Bill was piloted by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman who, at the close of the debate, lost his composure and went on to berate Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who had earlier laid out the Opposition’s concerns as it relates to the Bill.

Jagdeo, in his presentation, had also sought to rebut earlier misleading statements to the House

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

According to Jagdeo, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic was particularly concerned that the establishment of a special reserve fund was to be controlled

by the proposed Petroleum Commission. He drew reference to a similar fund set for the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, but pointed out that the source of the funds is well known.

Jagdeo had, on the previous day, raised the issue during a public rally held at Enmore, East Coast Demerara, and had observed that his statements might have rattled members of the Government.

Regarding the proposed reserve fund to be controlled and managed by the Petroleum Commission, Jagdeo said, “We are still unclear about were the funds come from… Is it going to be the royalty payments? Is it going to be money from profit…?

Is it going to be a direct charge on the Consolidated Fund…? These things are very important, (as) each has a different implication.”

He had used the occa-

sion to also remind that it was under the PPP that oil was discovered, and that the current administration only temporarily inherited stewardship of the affairs of the country, including the oil sector.

Trotman had earlier attempted to restrain the Opposition Leader from speaking, and had attempted to have the Speaker put the second reading of the Bill to a vote. This did not obtain, and following the Opposition Leader’s presentation, Trotman launched into a vitriolic tirade, calling Jagdeo the “doctor of doom.”

Other speakers to the debate included Opposition members Neendkumar and Odinga Lumumba, while Ministers David Patterson and Simona Broomes were the other Government speakers in defence of the proposed legislation.

(More details in tomorrow’s Guyana Times)

UK expert to submit halfyear report on SSRAP S peaking at his residence in Georgetown on Wednesday, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn has disclosed that a half-year report will be submitted by United Kingdom expert Russell Combe, who was hired to assist with the implementation of the Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP).

A retired top military officer, Combe came to Guyana in January to conduct assessments and implement recommendations to improve the local security sector.

High Commissioner Quinn informed media operatives that Combe will compile a 6-month report to assess what was done between January and June, and to implement measures to move the project forward. “[The report] will be a first look at the big picture of the strategic side and (determine) where things need to go in the longer term. It will also look at some of the immediate steps which could be taken now, which could start us down the road,” he explained.

Quinn expressed the expectation that the overall assessment and report would not turn out to be a document which would be placed on a shelf after the expert’s 12-month contract expires.

“What we want is a living document, which we have started to put in place already; and we are look-

British High Commissioner Greg Quinn

ing to do some activity in the second half of this calendar year as a result of what [Combe] has seen,” the High Commissioner explained.

The UK has also slashed the amount of money it would have provided to a revised SSRAP to Guyana, because priority of the SSRAP has been shifted from security to infrastructure. The project began in 2007, but was scrapped in 2009 after the British Government requested to have oversight of the programme, to ensure that there was ‘value for money’.

The former Administration, however, disagreed with the manner in which the British had wanted the programme to be run, claiming that Britain had sought to intrude upon

Guyana’s sovereignty.

However, the UK has said that the then Government of Guyana had submitted a different proposal, which had focused on Police modernisation rather than a holistic approach to reform.

The programme was re-established in 2015, and Government is of the view that, once implemented, Guyana’s security sector would be significantly strengthened and, hopefully, this would lend to reducing the number of criminal activities that occur.

President David Granger, also, has said there is need for a stronger Police Force, one that is better equipped with all tools necessary to function adequately.

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friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Bus conductor charged with multiple counts of larceny

A

bus conductor on Wednesday morning appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with multiple counts of larceny.

Rico Persaud, 24, of 271 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to all charges when Magistrate Fabayo Azore read them to him.

The first charge stated that on June 10, 2017

at Oronoque Street, Georgetown, Persaud stole one Acer laptop valued $85,000, property of Mohammed Nazir.

It is also alleged that on March 12, 2017, at Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown, he stole one smartphone valued at $150,000, property of Angeline Corrie.

The third charge against the defendant stated that on May 20, 2017

at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, he stole one Samsung S7 Edge smartphone valued $170,000 and $50,000 in cash from Ravi Shivpaul.

The final charge stated that Persaud, also on May 20, 2017 at the Marriott Hotel, stole another Samsung smartphone valued $140,000, property of Dookie Amad.

Police Prosecutor

Simone Payne objected to bail based on the seriousness, prevalence and similarity of the offences.

The defendant could be heard cursing as he continually denied that he committed the act.

Bail was granted in the sum of $35,000 for each charge. The defendant is expected to return to court on June 28, 2017.

Man charged Man apologises for assaulting to woman for Police Officer stealing handbag

A

man from Timehri, on the East Bank of Demerara, was before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday charged with assaulting a Police Officer.

Winston Long denied the charge read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore which alleged that on November 26, 2016, at High Street, Georgetown, he assaulted Constable Derwayne Eastman.

He also denied behaving disorderly at the Brickdam

Police Station on the same day.

However, he told the court that he was being bullied by Police Officers and was dealt a slap to which he began to speak in a loud manner.

Based on this explanation, a guilty plea was entered by Magistrate Azore.

The prosecution had no objections to bail being granted to the defendant and this was granted in the sum of $75,000.

Long is scheduled to return to court on June 28.

J

oseph Kellman, 22, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he apologised to the woman whose bag he stole.

He entered a guilty plea to the charge which read that on June 1, 2017 at Camp Street, North Road, Georgetown, he stole from the Virtual Complainant (VC) Opehla two cell phones valued $50,000, one phone charger val-

ued $2000, one bag valued $2500 and $500 in cash.

According to the prosecution, the defendant reportedly asked the Virtual Complainant (VC) for $100 on the day in question, but as she was about to go into her bag, he snatched it and ran away.

The defendant told Magistrate Fabayo Azore that he was sorry for what he did, and stated that he did not know how he ended up snatching the bag.

He then asked to apologise personally to the VC – a request which was granted.

He was fined $25,000, with an alternative sentence of two months in prison.

Meanwhile, 37-yearold Jermaine Thomas, of Tucville Housing Scheme, also appeared before Magistrate Azore charged with larceny.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 8, 2017 at Vlissengen Road, he stole one fan head valued $80,000 and two fold-up chairs valued $8000.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne had no objections to bail, and the defendant was granted bail in the sum of $10,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for today.

And 19-year-old Anthony Hendricks of 150 Regent Road, Bourda, also appeared before Magistrate Azore charged with robbing Jaylon McIntosh of one iPhone valued $50,000.

Hendricks pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on June 6, 2017 at Robb and King Streets, Georgetown, he robbed McIntosh of the phone.

According to Prosecutor Payne, the phone was not recovered. Bail was granted in the sum of $25,000.

Hendricks will next appear in court on June 28, 2017.

Martyrs…

V

…for the people

ery few people go out there “courting martyrdom”. But those who try to do the right thing and are killed by those with power who oppress others have to be called “martyrs”.

And this week, there were two occasions to reflect on martyrdom in Guyana -- the anniversary of the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney, on June 13, 1980, and the killing of five sugar workers, on June 16, 1948.

Back in 1948, cane-cutters were protesting the sugar planters’ arbitrarily changing their “task” responsibility -- which increased their labour but delivered more profits for the sugar planters. Changing from the “cut and drop” method to the “cut and load” method meant the same cane-cutter now also had to be a “cane-loader,” and all “cane loaders” would now be fired. The workers protested; the planters called in the police; the police read them the Riot Act, and fired into the mass of workers standing up for their rights.

When the smoke cleared, five men lay dead and fourteen wounded. They were acknowledged by both of the major political parties vying for power today -- the PPP and PNC. After all, they were both birthed from the aftermath of those killings; it was the PNC that built the “Enmore Martyrs’ Monument”. The gruesome incident couldn’t be swept under the rug, even though the government was controlled by the sugar planters.

It reached all the way to Whitehall in Britain, and led to widespread reform - not only in labour reform, but also in the award of the universal franchise to all the peoples of Guyana. But while the Enmore martyrs might’ve delivered political independence to the country, it didn’t do much for them, with the present Government being busy commemorating that Independence, but throwing 10,000 sugar workers out of work. Are they trying to provoke more martydoms?

On Rodney, one sourpuss - Minette Bacchus -- had the temerity to question the man’s credentials for martyrdom!! Bacchus’s real problem - not surprising - is what such a characterisation does for the party of her choice - the PNC. The CoI into Rodney’s murder, of course, pointed out: “…we conclude that Prime Minister Burnham knew of the plan and was part of the conspiracy to assassinate Dr. Walter Rodney.”

But what’s more shameful than the PNC government’s refusal to acknowledge Rodney’s martyrdom, as they did the “Enmore 5”, is the willingness of those from Rodney’s party to now become the staunchest defenders of the present atrocities of the PNC. It’s because of their betrayal that reprobates like Minette Bacchus can wash their mouths on the great academic-activist who gave his life in the struggle against the PNC dictatorship.

Power to the people!! Rodney lives!!

…for equity

It could be that hope beats eternal and all that…but then again, it could be that the Government believes Guyanese are fools. Why does the Government -this time in the form of Finance Minister Jordan -believe it’s a good idea to borrow against “future oil revenues”? Isn’t this counting our barrels before they’re pumped and priced?? With oil stuck in the US$40s - and projected to be there for the duration -does Jordan know what borrowing cost will be? Will Exxon even be pumping at that price - when they can make more from shale oil - which they just entered with a vengeance?

Your Eyewitness had advised Trotman -- when he was talking about collecting up-front from Exxon -- to look at the experience of Ghana. Jordan should do the same. There’s many a slip between the find and the pumping -- but if money is borrowed, then the interest will drown us.

Do PNC folks forget that most of the US$2.1B debt they left us was actually interest?!!

…to smoke?

At long last, the Government’s introducing legislation to ban smoking in public places. It’s not that your Eyewitness is afraid to become a martyr to second-hand smoke; it’s the lingering, slow death of lung cancer that balks him!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Stabroek Block holds 2 billion barrels of recoverable oil …as Govt decides to formally hand ExxonMobil Production Licence – Trotman

T

he Stabroek Basin offshore Guyana, where exploration activities are currently underway, holds potentially two billion barrels of recoverable oil, and the exploring companies, including ExxonMobil, are slated to make a formal announcement in the coming days.

It was also announced that Government has taken a decision to give ExxonMobil and its partners a formal Production Licence, after approving the Liza Phase 1 Development plan.

The announcements were made on Thursday evening by Minister of Natural Resources (MNRE) Raphael Trotman, as members of the National Assembly gathered to consider the second reading of the Petroleum Commission of Guyana Bill.

Delivering his preamble to

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

the debate on the Petroleum Bill - meant in part to create the Petroleum Commission Minister Trotman recalled for the House the significant discovery made by ExxonMobil and its partners, as an-

nounced back in May 2015.

Since that discovery, Trotman told the House, the MNRE has been able to assess the quantum and value of that find at the Liza Well, which is said to contain a minimum of some 800 million barrels, and possibly a maximum of 1.4 billion barrels.

He said, too, that the companies have continued exploration activities, making two further discoveries. Here he pre-empted the expected announcement that the Stabroek Block has since been re-evaluated to be holding some 2 billion barrels of oil.

“You may read about it in the news tomorrow…it is likely to make the news in the morning,” he said.

According to Minister Trotman, the other international operators in Guyana have signalled their intention

Manufacturing sector starved of incentives – GCCI ... accounts for meagre economic performance

GCCI President Deodat Indar (centre) speaking to reporters

T

he Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is calling for the Government to take a more proactive approach to revive the manufacturing sector, in light of that sector’s dismal contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Hosting his first press conference as President of GCCI, Deodat Indar made this call on Thursday at the chamber’s headquarters.

According to Indar, there is little to no incentive for manufacturers to contribute to the Guyana economy.

“There is little to nothing in terms of incentive (that) manufacturers get,” Indar said. “Look at the value of the GDP that manufacturers carry; it’s miniscule. We don’t even make a hammer in this country. So for us to really seriously think about manufacturing, we cannot have a seminar (for) a halfday (and expect we) would (be able to) look at all the topof-the-line problems manufacturers have. We need to dig down in those issues.

“There are legal, incentive, cost (and) energy impediments. Energy represents a high part of cost -- 10 to 15 (or) maybe 17 per cent; it ranges for different companies,” Indar explained.

He said that if energy cost is reduced, the profit line for businesses would increase,

and the investment would make a return. But referring to public companies in Guyana, he noted that there is a prevailing downturn.

“Manufacturers need assistance,” Indar stressed.

“And it must be done in a way that it is not bleeding the Government but at the same time that money is translated to cheaper goods for the consumers, so it carries down the cost of living.”

Manufacturing

When Government had released its end-of-year Outcome Report earlier this year, it showed even bleaker statistics on the nation’s manufacturing sector than Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s 2017 budget had projected. The report, which covers the year 2016, contains revised projections from those presented in budget 2017. It stated that the manufacturing sector contracted by 9.5 per cent, and not the 7.1 per cent Jordan had announced in November.

The decline in the manufacturing sector was linked to the shrinking production in agriculture. The manufacturing sector is heavily dependent on sugar and rice production, a fact that Jordan had acknowledged last month at a press conference.

“Very little manufacturing activity takes place in Guyana… The last (time)

I looked at manufacturing without sugar and rice milling, (it contributed) a mere five per cent to GDP (Gross Domestic Product), which is very low,” Jordan had told journalists at the press conference.

The Finance Ministry has revealed that, overall, the agriculture and fishing and forestry sectors had contracted by 10.4 per cent in 2016. According to the report, this is 0.9 per cent more than the rate projected at the time the 2017 Budget was presented.

“Sugar production contracted even further than projected in November 2016, as the industry underestimated the negative impacts of late planting of the second crop on production.

In addition, the late arrival of spare parts for factories negatively affected the processing stage of production,” the report revealed.

At his 2016 end-ofyear press conference, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had explained that sugar production for the year had been plagued by poor labour turnout; lack of spares; equipment shortages, in particular cane punts; and factory breakdowns in the sector.

He had also revealed that the shortage of skills and experience, in addition to underinvestment in the industry, was taking its toll.

to continue with exploration activities.

Only recently, one such operator – Tullow -- operating in the Orinduik block, indicated that it would be scaling-up its exploration activities to encompass its entire concession.

In making the announcement, Trotman was adamant that ever since May 2015, Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and other ministries, such as Finance, Public Infrastructure, Business and Agriculture, have been working for first oil.

“We have had support from the Commonwealth Secretariat, Oceanic and Natural Resources Division.”

He said, too, Government has drafted an Upstream and Local Content Policy in anticipation of the start of production in 2020.

Trotman was at the time piloting the Petroleum Bill which he asked to be sent to a Special Select Committee for further consultations On the matter of the Production Licence to be handed to ExxonMobil. The Minister recalled for the members of the House that ExxonMobil had submitted its development plans and its

application for licence back in December 2016.

“Government indicated a few weeks ago (that) it is prepared to give licence,” Trotman declared.

He said Government has since formally taken the decision to issue that licence, and that this move was based on advice proffered by world renowned experts that have re-

pected that ExxonMobil and co-venturers Nexen and Hess will make a final investment decision on the Liza Phase 1 development.

Meanwhile, in a separate process, the Guyana Environmental Protection Agency issued the Liza field environmental permit on June 1. The environmental permit ensures that the envi-

Stena Carron, the drillship used for drilling in the Stabroek block

viewed the application.

The Natural Resources Ministry as an “important milestone” towards the first phase of oil production at the Liza field offshore Guyana.

Following the approval of the Production Licence and environmental permit, it is ex-

ronment is protected through the lifecycle of the project.

The Liza Phase 1 development plan includes completion of a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel designed to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

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friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits rob electronics store near Albion Police Station

– getaway car found, some stolen items recovered

By Andrew Carmichael

B

andits on Thursday morning broke into an electronics store situated a few buildings away from the Albion Police Station in Berbice, stealing several items valued at $1.9 million, including five speakers, ten amplifiers, two laptop computers, one inverter, one car battery, a surveillance camera set and $68,000 in cash.

One of the suspected bandits is now in custody after Police retrieved the getaway car and some of the stolen articles.

According to reports, about 02:30h on Thursday morning, a constable who was on duty at the Albion Police Station observed a male fetching a bulky box from Andrew’s Stationery, Computers and Car Audio,

In custody: Freddie Butler, 37

towards a parked burgundy motor car.

He walked over and the man dropped the box and ran off into the village. The car then drove off. The offi-

cer made contact with the Rose Hall Police Outpost and shortly afterwards, the car was discovered abandoned at Rose Hall Town Reef. It had crashed. At the time of the discovery, a 12-volt battery and an inverter were found in the car, which was taken to the Albion Police Station and impounded.

Jailall Motilall, 59, the owner of the store, was contacted and confirmed that his store was broken into and articles, including those recovered, were stolen.

An hour later at the Whim Police Station, a man walked in and said his car was hijacked.

However, Police Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam told this newspaper that the man – who gave his name as Freddie Butler, aged 37 years old of

Robbed: The electronics store situated a few buildings away from the Albion Police Station in Berbice

367 Section B, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, told the Police that he was hired in Georgetown to transport someone to Berbice, and on the Corentyne the car was taken from him. He said he was taken to a cemetery and thrown out of the car.

Police later went to the place where he claimed he was thrown out of the car and also contacted the Berbice River Bridge to verify the time of crossing and to confirm his story. According to Assistant Commissioner Amsterdam, his story did not match up.

Police recovered the getaway car and some of the stolen articles

Butler was taken into custody.

Meanwhile, a store official said that surveillance

footage was also removed from the store.

The investigation continues.

11 Serious crimes down by 5% – Police news

S RAIGHT T

friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

… 44 road fatalities recorded

As higher food prices bite in 2017, consumer buying power slows!

T

he growth in consumer spending in Guyana has literally ground to a halt for the working class shoppers. Too many people have told me that they have shifted gear into survival mode; buying only essential products, and in smaller portions.

It would be an interesting study for the Private Sector Commission, in collaboration with the many regional chambers of commerce, to establish what is the exact situation with respect to retail sales within their membership over the last 12 months. It would be important information to support them in their negotiations with the Minister of Finance on the 2018 Budget.

Some business people told me that their retail sales are down by some 20-25% over the last 12 months. If these numbers are accurate, it is a telling assessment. Although there was a drop in the VAT rate in the 2017 Budget -- from 16% to 14% -- the expected impact on retail sales seems to have been muted.

People are now forced to spend that money on paying a new set of taxes, like the 14% VAT on electricity and water. It is a win/lose situation for the people.

But, to compound the pressure on the consumers, there is the situation of the falling value of the Guyana dollar (now easily accessible at G$230 to US$1 at most non-bank Cambios) over the last six (6) months. This situation is pushing up the cost of imports, and further causing prices in the shops to rise faster than income. The latest official figures out of the Ministry of Finance showed that 12-month inflation rate was 3 percent in February 2017, compared to a decline of 0.2 percent over the same period a year ago. This higher inflation is not a surprise for the shoppers, because people have been recognizing the actual squeeze on their pockets for months now. Almost every single item in the markets has gone up materially in the last 12 months.

A few weeks ago, I did a column which also illustrated that activities in the car sales market were down materially over 2016, with new vehicles registered over 2016 declining by some 8%, according to the statistics released. The most painful statistics to date is food inflation, which has gone since 2015. But of most concern is the state of the prices for the poor man’s food; it has gone – UP, UP, UP!

he Guyana Police Force has reported a five per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of May 2017, when compared to the corresponding period last year.

This reduction was attributed to the decrease in murders, which the Police said were down by 27 per cent. A total of 47 cases were recorded during that period, with the highest of 17 recorded in A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara).

Of these cases, four were execution-type killings, two were committed during the course of robberies, seven

Woman’s body found at Vreeden-Hoop identified

T

As the graph above -- sourced from the Bank of Guyana’s Annual Reports -- reveals, the domestic basket of foods increased by 4.2% over 2016, and it was driven mainly by a 20% increase in vegetables. But if one were to read the 2017 first Quarter Report from the Bank of Guyana, this domestic basket of food increased by 6.5% between March 2016 and March 2017.

This trend is horrible news for the poor and the working class, but yet this Granger Administration seems clueless at fixing this mess. On top of that, this very same Granger Administration added much salt to the wounds of the working class by sending home some 1,700 Wales Estate sugar workers without their severance pay. I have been told that in the Wales/Patentia area, neighbours are now stealing anything left around from the neighbours’ yards (as little as soap) as they switch into survival mode. This is yet but another example of how the Granger government, by its inaction, has contributed to men with a job and some dignity now being condemned to a life of barbarism.

Soon some 10,000 other sugar workers will face the same fate, because the Granger Administration cannot think strategically and outside of the box. It is time for GAWU to kick their mobilisation into full gear, because the time for talking is over. This government must be made to listen to the voice of reason, just like Theresa May was made to listen.

If GAWU fails to act, then this Granger sugar plan will cause a socio-economic implosion across the sugar belt, resulting in consumer spending nose-diving, and that will hurt all in the pocket; race will not matter, religion will not matter, and gender will not matter.

It would be interesting to observe what the regional private sector bodies would do going forward, since this is not the time for passivity and cowardice, because the incoming economic crisis will hurt the private sector the most. It is time for the voice of reason to be heard.

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

he partially decomposed body which was discovered along a dam at New Road, Vreed-enHoop, West Coast Demerara last week was on Thursday identified.

The body is said to be that of 49-year-old Patricia Ronold, a woman of Amerindian descent who had lived at Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara. The identification was made by Ronold’s older sister, with whom she had resided.

Information received is that an unknown caller contacted the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station on Tuesday last and reported discovery of the body. The body was found lying face down, and was clad in a yellow top and a pair of blue long pants. A card with the name “Patricia Ronold” was found lying next to it.

According to Police, no marks of violence have been observed on the body.

Ronold’s sister told Police that Ronold had left home to go to Georgetown on June 11, 2017, but never returned home.

A post mortem is expected to be conducted on the body on Friday. Investigations are continuing.

were disorderly deaths, three were listed as unknown, while one case was listed under the “other” category.

B Division (Berbice) recorded nine murders, of which three were committed during robberies, four were domestic related and two were disorderly deaths.

In C Division (East Coast Demerara), there were three murder cases – one each in the robbery, domestic and disorderly categories. There were five murder cases in D Division (West Demerara), one of which was domestic related and the others disorderly deaths.

E Division (LindenKwakwani) only had one murder and it was domestic related. The second highest number of murders occurred in F Division (Lethem/ Interior Locations), where 12 cases were recorded – two happened during robberies, two were domestic related and eight were disorderly. No murder cases were recorded in G Division (Essequibo Islands-Essequibo Coast).

Robberies

The Police also reported a three per cent decrease in armed robbery where firearms were used, which amounted to a total of 239 cases, and a one per cent reduction in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used,

which amounted to 137. This is compared to a combined total of 384 armed robberies recorded in the two categories over the same period last year.

guns and eight rifles.

Twenty-seven of these firearms were found in A Division, five in B Division, seven in C Division, five in D Division, one in E Division and 19 found in F Division.

There was no firearm seizure in G Division during this time.

Traffic

However, there was a whopping 60 per cent increase in robbery with violence and larceny from the person, with 67 and 77 cases recorded respectively, while robbery with aggravation was up by 10 per cent with 33 cases. On the other hand, 94 cases of burglary reflect a decline of one per cent, while break and enter and larceny dipped by 21 per cent to 449 cases.

Additionally, a total of 123 rape cases were recorded – a 10 per cent increase – by the end of May. During that month, a total of 64 illegal firearms were also taken off the streets, compared to 29 for the corresponding period last year.

These included 39 pistols, eight revolvers, nine shot-

As it relates to traffic, fatal accidents were reduced to 29.3 per cent by the end of May. During this period, a total of 44 fatalities were recorded, compared to 62 fatalities recorded for the same period last year, representing a decrease of 29 per cent.

In addition, there was also a 75 per cent decrease in deaths of children on the roadways.

The Police also reported that serious, minor and ‘damage’ accidents have declined by 16.4 per cent, 32 per cent and 36.3 per cent respectively.

With regard to traffic violations, some 28,822 cases were made out from January to May. Of this, 7475 were for speeding; 1402 for breach of conditions of road service licence/music; 1040 for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol; 732 for using cellphone while driving; 664 for breach of traffic light signals and 646 for tinted motor vehicles.

12 news Fly Jamaica opens Brooklyn office friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

– promises more destinations

By Bhisham Mohamed, in New York

G

uyanese-owned Fly Jamaica Airways on Thursday opened its Brooklyn office at 1397 Nostrand Avenue, with the objective of catering for the travelling population in that area.

In a small but important ceremony, the new office was blessed by members of the three main religious groups who all offered prayers of prosperity.

The new office will be one

that will serve Caribbean people living in New York and surrounding areas.

This is the second of such an office in New York, with another in Queens.

According to Roxanne Reece, one of the owners of the airline, the new office will give people in the Diaspora an opportunity to interact with well trained staff, rather than booking a ticket online.

“Personal contact is very important in doing business and we want people to feel comfortable that they have

people to interact with and to make enquiries compared to them going on a computer and booking a ticket... we want that personal touch,” she explained.

However, she noted that the choice in setting up the office is based on the fact that there are lots of persons living in the Brooklyn area who are primarily from Jamaica and Guyana.

Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ronald Reece at the official launch party thanked the people who have made Fly Jamaica the

Roxanne Reece (right) and others at the new Fly Jamaica office in Brooklyn

outstanding carrier that it is, and has been, over the past six years. He also encouraged the public for its continuing support over the years.

Consul General, Guyana Consulate, Barbara Atherly, in her comments said the initiative forges an even stronger relationship between Guyana and Jamaica while at the same time serving to promote tourism in New York and the Caribbean.

She reminisced on the time travelling to Jamaica and had to in transit in several countries but now, it is just a ticket away from Fly Jamaica Airways.

She congratulated the Board of Governors of Fly Jamaica on the opening of their new office and encouraged the continuation of the good work.

Meanwhile, Reece further stated that Fly Jamaica is currently using two airplanes but in the very near

future, a third will be added to the fleet.

On this note, she revealed that Fly Jamaica will be adding at least four new destinations to cater for the travelling public.

The destinations will be revealed shortly but she expressed confidence that the new destinations will be widely supported.

Fly Jamaica operates out of Guyana and Jamaica, both in transit and direct flights.

news

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friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Opposition says Petroleum Commission Bill “slick” – Jagdeo dubs it “Trotman Petroleum Commission”

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he Parliamentary Opposition has made known its general disapproval of the Petroleum Commission Bill which was laid in the National Assembly by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

This bill seeks to pave the way for the setting up of an agency that would manage the impending oil and gas sector in Guyana.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told a recent political meeting that the bill in its current form is both “oily” and “slick”, and rather than being a Guyana Petroleum Commission, it appears to be more like a “Trotman Petroleum Commission”.

According to Jagdeo, the bill gives the minister too much power.

“This bill is very oily and slick, like Trotman.

They (present Government) used to criticize us that Ministers had too many powers. They want to manage the oil money after promising a Sovereign Wealth Fund years now,

and not coming up with (only) a draft or a model that will ensure the proper use of the money,” he remarked.

Once this bill is passed and assented to by President David Granger, Trotman would be given the authority to terminate the board of the Guyana Petroleum Commission at any time. Jagdeo said the minister would also be granted the power to discharge the functions of the board if the board is not appointed.

“So, he now has the power of the entire board.

The Minister can become chairman of the board if he doesn’t appoint a chairman. The Minister appoints the chairman, deputy chairman and secretary to the board. This is like a ‘Trotman Petroleum Commission’,” he asserted.

Jagdeo, an economist, also highlighted the fact that by establishing a reserve fund, a direct charge would be made on the Consolidated Fund.

“So, if they make a loss,

then the money has to come from the Consolidated Fund to support this entity,” he explained. “These are the same people who were saying that we were creating slush funds outside, and they had to do an audit…where they said we had private accounts. They found $40 billion sitting there for bad days. The audit all came back clean,” he further explained.

The former Head of State also cautioned citizens to be careful and not fall prey to the many promises that the coalition Administration has made.

In fact, Jagdeo described as absurd a suggestion made by Trotman when he promised people on the Essequibo Coast free gas in 2020.

“The people didn’t find a gas field, they found an oil field. The little gas it (would) have would be uneconomical to bring… to shore, and will cost millions (to so do). There is no demand, but they are promising free cooking gas already,” he pointed out.

US Embassy revokes visas for MPs Seeraj, Dharamlall

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PPP/C MP Nigel Dharamlall

wo Members of Parliament for the People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Dharamkumar Seeraj and Nigel Dharamlall, have recently received letters from the Consular Section of the United States Embassy

in Georgetown, informing them that their non-immigrant visas have been revoked.

According to a statement from the PPP/C Thursday night, the letters further state that the Consular Section is now in receipt of information which it did not have at the time that the visas were granted.

The Opposition Party said similar letters were received by the other persons who were slapped with fabricated charges in relation to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) probe.

The PPP/C noted that all the persons charged have pleaded not guilty to those charges and, therefore, were presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“They have instruct-

PPP/C MP Dharamkumar Seeraj

ed their Attorneys-at-Law to write to the Consular Section of the said Embassy requesting the new information which it has received.”

The PPP/C said it would pursue this matter as far as possible.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo also pointed to statements made by Trotman about establishing on Crab Island an oil facility that would create 10,000 jobs and cost US$500 million. However, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary claimed he is still not clear how the Government plans to acquire this finance.

“They can’t find $9 billion to keep sugar and 10,000 jobs intact here, but they can spend US$500 million. But I want to wager you -- because it is all hype -- that nothing will happen at Crab Island…

It is not feasible, and so the people in Rose Hall and New Amsterdam…will (not) get jobs, those people will be fooled. These people (Govt) have no credibility; you can’t believe anything they say,” Jagdeo declared.

While recognising that the bill is timely, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali said that when he scrutinised the bill closely, his party found that the independence of the Petroleum Commission is vigorously challenged in numerous sections.

“And this will certainly affect its ability to operate in a fair, open, objective, and non-discriminatory manner, as envisioned in section 6 subsection 1,” Ali told the National Assembly on Thursday.

In providing one example, Ali told the House that

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

when one examines section 8 of the bill, which deals with the “Power of the Minister to give directions to the Commission,” it is clear that the Commission would hardly be able to work without the direction and control of the Minister.

According to section 8 of the bill, the Minister is allowed not only to provide policy guidance, but to also give direction to the Commission regarding a number of other issues. This includes the size of the establishment; the employment of staff, and the terms and conditions of employment; the provision of equipment, and use of funds; reorganization, or such works of development as to involve a substantial outlay on capital account; training, education and research; the disposal of capital assets; and the application of the proceeds of such disposals.

“Thus the Minister is literally empowered to dictate, inter alia, how many persons an independent Commission should employ; what should be the terms and conditions of employment for the staff of the Commission; how an independent Commission should use its funds etc.”

The former minister said that based on a review of similar legislation in other countries, his party was unable to locate one that gave comparable powers to the Minister. “Indeed, based on our review, we

found that the only power the Minister is granted in other countries is the power to provide policy guidance,” the former minister disclosed.

Ali argued that the bill will not create an independent agency that would be able to carry out its mandate in a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory manner as similar agencies in oil producing countries do.

Instead, the Bill would create an agency that is a sidekick or subservient creature of the Minister.

The bill provides for the establishment and functions of the Petroleum Commission of Guyana and for related matters.

The bill has 51 sections which cover areas such as establishment and incorporation of the Petroleum Commission; functions and duties of the Commission; and financing, among others.

The Petroleum Commission Bill makes provision for the establishment of a Petroleum Commission to serve as a regulatory agency for Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

The establishment of a new regulatory agency will see the responsibility taken from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Minister Trotman read the Bill for a second time on Thursday, June 15. The bill will now be presented before a Special Select Committee for review.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, june 16, 2017

Reginal

Trump recasts Cuba policy, takes harder UN report says increase in remittances to C’bean line than Obama on military, travel helps fight poverty

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n an overhaul of one of his predecessor’s signature legacies, President Donald Trump will redraw US policy toward Cuba on Friday, tightening travel restrictions for Americans that had been loosened under President Barack Obama and banning US business transactions with Cuba’s vast military conglomerate.

Trump’s changes, shared Thursday with the Miami Herald, are intended to sharply curtail cash flow to the Cuban Government and pressure its communist leaders to let the island’s fledgling Private Sector grow. Diplomatic relations re-established by Obama, including reopened embassies in Washington

In this December 19, 2014 file photo, Javier Yanez stands on his balcony decorated with US and Cuban flags in Old Havana, Cuba.

Today, President Donald Trump is expected to turn America’s Cuba policy on its second 180-degree spin in three years.

Ordinary Cubans are bracing for the worst

and Havana, will remain.

Travel and money sent by Cuban Americans will be unaffected.

Trump is expected to announce the presidential policy directive Friday, surrounded by Cuban-

American supporters at Miami’s Manuel Artime Theatre, a venue named after one of the late leaders of the Brigade 2506 Bay of Pigs veterans whose group offered Trump their endorsement last October af-

ter he promised exiles a “better deal.”

In his remarks, Trump plans to cite human-rights violations in Cuba as justification for the new US approach. Dissidents say Government repression has increased.

While not a full reversal of Obama’s historic Cuba rapprochement, Trump’s recast US policy hews closer to the hard line espoused by Cuban-American Republicans who derided Obama’s 2014 policy as a capitulation.

“If we’re going to have more economic engagement with Cuba, it will be with the Cuban people,” Rubio told the Miami Herald. (Excerpt from MSN)

1 killed, several injured as heavy rains lash Haiti

O

ne person has been confirmed dead and dozens injured following a mudslide in the district of Archaie on Wednesday. The Police report that at least five houses

were destroyed by the massive mudslide, triggered by heavy rains.

They say residents have been asked to evacuate the affected areas and to stay alert.

Among the people hurt during the mudslide, five have been transferred to the Albert Schweitze hospital in Deschapelles, department of Artibonite.

Emergency response institutions are also sending messages through radio and cell phones to warn resident of the risks and dangers that

could come in the aftermath of the rains.

Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere is still recovering from the damages left in the wake of Hurricane Matthew in October 2016.

The storm led to the deaths of 573 people. (Jamaica

Observer)

Despite the decade-long trend, IFAD President Gilbert F Houngbo noted the impact of remittances must first be viewed one family at a time

A

new United Nations report said there has been a sharp increase in money being sent by migrants to the Caribbean and other developing countries.

The first-ever study, ‘Sending Money Home: Contributing to the SDGs One Family at a Time,’ by the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), highlighted the role these funds – more than US$445 million in 2016 – play in helping developing countries attain the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“About 40 per cent of remittances – US$200 billion – are sent to rural areas where the majority of poor people live,” said Pedro de Vasconcelos, manager of IFAD’s Financing Facility for Remittances and lead author of the report, which not-

ed that over the past decade, remittances have risen by 51 per cent – far greater than the 28 per cent increase in migration from these countries.

“This money is spent on food, health care, better educational opportunities and improved housing and sanitation. Remittances are therefore critical to help developing countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” underscored de Vasconcelos.

The UN said ‘Sending Money Home’ covers a 10year trend in migration and remittance flows from 2007-2016. While the report showed that there have been increases in sending patterns in most regions of the world, the sharp rise over the past decade is in large part due to Asia, which has witnessed an 87 per cent increase in remittances. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Colombia FARC rebels ‘committed to disarmament’

T

he United Nations Mission in Colombia says it has received 40 per cent of the weapons registered by the FARC rebel group, a figure which falls short of the 60 per cent they should have received by now.

The deadline for the handover of all the 7000 registered weapons is Tuesday.

The disarmament was

agreed in a peace deal the rebels and the government signed in November.

The FARC has said it remains committed to peace.

“We have taken the political decision. We respect the agreement and we will implement it, whatever it takes,” said FARC leader Rodrigo Londoño, known as “Timochenko”.

On Tuesday, UN officials and FARC leaders

attended a ceremony in South-western Cauca region to mark the handing over of a second batch of weapons. Last week the FARC had handed over 30 per cent of the weapons registered with the UN as part of the peace accord.

The UN announced on Tuesday it was receiving a further 30 per cent.

The peace deal was signed after four years of

negotiations, held in Cuba.

The FARC will become a political party after giving up 52 years of armed struggle.

But first it will need to hand over thousands of rifles and pistols. For his efforts to reach peace with the FARC, Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded last year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

FRIDAY, june 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Qatar buys F-15 fighter planes Putin makes fun of Comey’s testimony about Trump in billion-dollar US deal

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Q

atar has signed a US$12 billion deal to buy F-15 fighters jets from the US. The sale was finalised at a meeting in Washington between US defence chief Jim Mattis and his Qatari counterpart.

It comes days after US President Donald Trump accused Qatar – a major US ally – of funding terrorism “at a very high level” – a charge Qatar denies.

Other Gulf countries recently cut ties with Doha, accusing it of destabilising the region through its alleged support of extremist groups and links to Iran.

British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to the kings of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, as well as the Emir of Qatar, on Thursday, urging them to “urgently de-escalate the situation” and “engage meaningfully in di-

The deal is reportedly for the purchase of 36 F-15s

alogue”, according to a statement from Downing Street.

Qatar is home to the biggest US air base in the Middle East, Al-Udeid. It houses around 10,000 troops and plays a key role in the US-led operations against the so-called Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Iraq.

Mr Trump’s comments appeared at odds with the US Department of Defence, which had praised Qatar’s

“enduring commitment to regional security” just days earlier.

Map of Gulf region Saudi Arabia, another key US ally, has led moves to isolate the gas-rich emirate since earlier this month.

Riyadh sealed its border, closed its air space to Qatari Airways and - along with Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt - severed diplomatic relations.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

British PM confident on deal to stay in power, to open Parliament next week

B

ritish Prime Minister Theresa May’s Government said on Thursday it would launch her policy programme next week, a sign of confidence she will strike a deal to stay in power after days of political uncertainty since losing her majority.

Conservative Party sources say May wants to show her government is up and running but her loss of authority in last week’s election will make it harder to handle a hectic agenda – Brexit talks with the

European Union, tackling a slowing economy, a political crisis in Ireland, and a devastating fire in London.

The pound rose after the Bank of England came its closest in a decade to raising interest rates to counter higher prices after Britain’s vote to leave the EU – a move that could further squeeze Britons with big mortgages.

The London fire, which claimed at least 17 lives, forced the cancellation of the City of London’s Mansion House dinner, where May’s

Finance Minister, Philip Hammond, had the chance to revive calls for a more business-friendly exit from the EU. After touring the wrecked and fire-blackened apartment block and ordering an inquiry, May returned to talks to try to seal a deal with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party to secure the backing of their 10 lawmakers in Parliament to help her pass laws and govern as Britain starts talks to leave the EU. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ussia’s President has joked he could offer asylum to former FBI chief James Comey if he runs into trouble for leaking recorded conversations with the US President to the press.

President Vladimir Putin compared Comey to US whistleblower Edward Snowden, who now lives in Russia.

“If he’s persecuted... we’re ready to give him political asylum,” he said.

He again poured scorn on

claims Russia had interfered in the US elections, citing an absence of evidence.

Overall though, foreign policy took a back seat to domestic issues in this year’s Direct Line show – Putin’s annual marathon phone-in.

For almost four hours, the Russian President fielded calls from across the country. He offered sympathy to dozens of people complaining of miserable salaries, poor medical care and bad roads, and doled out reprimands and orders to re-

gional leaders.

It is a well-practised format meant to showcase Vladimir Putin the Benevolent.

His opening remarks acknowledged times had been tough and people’s incomes had plummeted with more than 13 per cent of Russians now living beneath the poverty line. Putin stressed that the economy was now back to growth, though, and said maintaining that trend was his priority. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China nursery blast: 7 dead in Jiangsu explosion

S

even people have been killed and at least 66 injured in an explosion at a nursery in China, State media say.

Official news agency Xinhua said the blast took place just outside the kindergarten in Fengxian county in the eastern province of Jiangsu.

It is not known how many children are among the casualties.

The cause of the blast is not clear, but unconfirmed media reports suggest it could have been caused by a gas canister at a food stall.

The explosion happened about 17:00 (09:00 GMT) just as parents were picking up their children from the kindergarten.

Unverified images posted on social media show adults and children lying on the ground.

Chinese TV showed a large crowd gathered outside the nursery

Video footage showed injured people holding crying children and one woman with burned clothing staggering unsteadily.

Two people were killed immediately and five others died from their injuries, Xinhua reported. Nine of the injured are said to be in a serious condition.

Police said they had launched an investigation.

It is the second tragedy to strike a Chinese kindergarten in recent weeks.

Last month, 11 children died when a bus packed with kindergarten pupils burst into flames inside a tunnel in eastern Shandong province. It later emerged that the fire had been started deliberately by the driver, who also died. (BBC News)

Rescue ships pick up 1000 US doctors dispute N Korean coma story boat migrants

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Migrants on a dinghy are rescued by ‘Save the Children’ NGO crew from the ship Vos Hestia in the Mediterranean sea off Libya coast, June 15, 2017

H

umanitarian rescue ships picked up more than 1000 migrants from nine rubber and wooden boats off the coast of Libya on Thursday, Italy’s coastguard said.

The Vos Hestia, operated by Save the Children, rescued more than 100 migrants, most of them from Bangladesh, from a rubber

dinghy about 21 miles off the coast of Libya in international waters.

Earlier on Thursday, another Non-Governmental Group, Proactiva Open Arms, said on Twitter that Libyan coastguard officials fired into the air as an act of intimidation while it was rescuing 11 people from a small boat.

No one was injured and the migrants were taken on board the humanitarian vessel. The Libyan coastguard was not immediately available to comment.

Arrivals of migrants to Italy are up almost 18 per cent on the same period last year, Italy’s Interior Ministry said on Thursday, at more than 65,000. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

team of US d o c tors have found “no sign of botulism” in the American student freed by North Korea after more than 15 months in captivity.

The regime had said the 22-year- Otto Warmbier’s parents say they went 15 months without hearing from or about their old Otto son Warmbier’s Warmbier “shows no un- his doctors say. coma was caused last year derstanding of language” Warmbier’s condition is by botulism and a sleeping and has “extensive loss of “not what we normally see pill he took after his trial. brain tissue” which was like- with traumatic brain injuHe has not spoken since ly caused by cardiopulmo- ry. It’s the type we see with his return to his family nary arrest, he said. cardiopulmonary arrest,” Dr hometown in Ohio.

According to scans tak- Kanter told reporters.

“His neurological condi- en after he arrived at the They believe respiratory tion can be best described Cincinnati Medical Center arrest led to his condition, as a state of unrespon- earlier this week, there is no which is caused by a lack sive wakefulness,” said Dr sign that he was physically of oxygen and blood in the Daniel Kanter. abused during his detention, brain. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

friDAY, june 16, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Army dubs cameraman’s actions “reckless”, “stupid”

International Day of

- urges public to stay clear of operation space

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ome four days after arresting Capitol News cameraman Rudy Morris, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has condemned the media worker for attempting to breach its operational space at the Kaieteur National Park (KNP), calling his actions “reckless” and “outright stupid.”

The cameraman was among a group of media workers who had on Saturday accompanied Amerindian Peoples Affairs (APA) executive member Michael Mc Garrell to Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) to investigate claims of illegal mining in the Kaieteur National Park, and observe unfolding events relating to a Presidential Order for the army, in joint operations with the Police, to enforce the law which prohibits mining within the boundaries of the KNP. Morris and Chenapau resident Anthony Melville were both taken into custody at Muri Muri Landing, Region Eight (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Residents of the area had complained bitterly to media operatives about the heavy military presence.

The Officer-in-Command had informed Mc Garrell that no one would be allowed to traverse the trail, traditionally used by the Chenapau villagers to hunt, fish, farm and access mining claims.

However, on Sunday, Morris and Melville used a boat to investigate the boundaries of the KNP, and as they were returning they were arrested. While the two men were released on Monday by the GDF ranks, Morris was brought down to Georgetown only on Wednesday.

Amidst public criticism of the actions of the army, a thorough investigation was carried out by the GDF, thus the army was able to express its astonishment that even after due caution about the nature of the operation and the various dangers that were present, Morris had taken it upon himself, whether for personal or financial gain or otherwise, to attempt to breach the GDF security ranks in order to access GDF’s operational space.

“It is the view of the Force that the actions of Mr Morris may have been on outright attempt to provoke a confrontation or some other adverse response from the GDF for the sake of sensational news. The GDF deems the conduct of the journalist as reckless, irresponsible, and outright stupid,” a statement from the military on Thursday outlines.

In this regard, the Defence Force called on the Guyana Press Association to condemn these actions and encourage journalists

Cameraman Rudy Morris

izens, but to enable operational forces to accurately discern between the illegal miners and law abiding citizens.

Only on Wednesday, the army disclosed, the joint services’ operation – OPERATION MIDAS – unearthed some 26 dredges among other pieces of mining equipment and environmental pollutants such as mercury, waste oil and silicone, which were being used indiscriminately by the illegal miners on and around the park. These illegal activities are the cause of the degradation plaguing the Park, the army said.

To this end, the GDF has announced its commitment to ridding the Park of this problem by lending its full support to the Protected

(HINDUS for SELFLESS SERVICE) – E-mail: hssguyana@gmail.com

W

elcome to another exciting feature from the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, as we continue to explore Surya Namaskar. Well, actually, you have completed the routine of Surya Namaskar, since the last set of postures are a repetition of the first three postures. We hope that you have been practising these postures, and not turning a blind eye to this Yoga feature.

Therefore, if you were practising, we would not have the need to go through these three postures again. However if you were not, or you were unable to get your hands on a copy of this newspaper, then today’s feature will certainly help you a great deal.

Hastauttanasana (Raised Arms pose) Breathing in, roll the spine up, hands go up and bend backwards a little bit, pushing the hips slightly outward.

How to deepen this yoga stretch Ensure that your biceps are beside your ears. The idea is to stretch up more, rather than stretching backwards.

Tadasana (Palm Tree Pose) As you exhale, first straighten the body then bring the arms down. Relax in this position, observe the sensations in your body.

However some persons would usually go into Pranamasana (Prayer pose), as shown in the picture on the right.

Remember that June 21 is slowly approaching, and as the old saying goes, “Time waits for no man”. We trust that you are taking Yoga seriously, and not looking at it as a passing fad. Do not just go into yoga because one of your favourite Bollywood actors/actresses is doing it, or because one

Ashwa Sanchalanasana (Equestrian pose) Breathing in, bring the right foot forward in between the two hands, place left knee down to the floor, press the hips down and look up.

How to deepen this yoga stretch Place the right foot exactly between the two hands and the right calf perpendicular to the floor. In this position, make a gentle effort to push the hips down towards the floor, to deepen the stretch. of your friends or family members is doing it. Once you understand the benefits of Yoga and how it helps you as an individual; trust us, you will definitely find yourself waking up early and doing some form of yoga. We here in HSS understood the importance of Yoga completely, that is why we can encourage persons to give Yoga a try. We have been doing Yoga work, and you can too.

A plainclothes GDF rank armed with AK-47 pulled over the boat which cameraman Rudy Morris and Chenapau resident Anthony Melville were in

to adhere to the rule of law and respect the army’s operation space.

And in a statement earlier this week, the GPA pointed out that it would never condone its members violating specific security measures in any area of Guyana when good, sufficient and legal reasons exist for such orders. In the same breath however, the Association said it “will not stand idly by and have our freedoms violated.”

Meanwhile, the army’s missive on Thursday also outlined to the general public that an operational area duly falls within the jurisdiction of the operating force.

It noted that illegal mining operations are not only a breach of the law, but can also attract violence among illegal miners who are bent on breaking the law.

As such, the GDF pointed out that access into an operational area must be scrutinised, not only to ensure the security of all cit-

Areas Commission and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

Moreover, the army has since recommended that severe punishment be meted out to those caught practising any illegal activities on or around the park, such as the prosecution of all registered dredge owners, whose equipment were seized by GGMC. GDF further recommended that billboards be erected to sensitise the public and visitors on the delineation of the Park and prohibited conduct. It is also calling for improved monitoring of all aircraft landing at the location, and the scrutiny of any accompanying cargo.

There are also calls made for rehabilitation of all waterways that were deliberately diverted by the illegal miners, and the temporary suspension of mining licences for those registered engine owners.

Hasta Padasana (Hand to Foot pose) Breathing out, bring the left foot forward.

Keep the palms on the floor. You may bend the knees, if necessary.

How to deepen this yoga stretch?

Gently straighten the knees, and if you can, try to make your nose touch your knees.

Keep breathing.

HSS INVITES YOU TO OUR THIRD ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA CELEBRATIONS. IT WILL BE HELD AT THE GUYANA NATIONAL STADIUM, PROVIDENCE, EAST BANK DEMERARA, JUNE 25 FROM 4PM TO 5:30PM. LET US MAKE THOUGHTS BECOME A REALITY. LET US BE FIT. “TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES, EMPOWERING THE BODY, MIND AND SOUL”

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“R

eflections”, one of Guyana’s signature fashion shows, was first held in November 2012. It was dubbed a major success, attracting not only local but regional media houses. Guyanese Fashion Designer Nelsion Andre Nurse will yet again captivate patrons and fashion lovers with his fourth chapter called “The Journey” which is slated for July 15.

In addition to being an opportunity for talented fashion designers, the event will spotlight the finest upand-coming local makeup artists, hairstylists and striking local runway models. They will be joined by a visiting cast of models from Suriname and Barbados.

“Reflections” is more than just the regular fashion shows since it is choreographed to tell a fashion story, incorporating music, dance and drama. Patrons will be treated to performances by various artistes under the Kross Kolor Record Label – an entity that has been very supportive of the venture since it started – such as the

friday, june 16, 2017

for July 15 young and talented Kenny Hercules, Guyana Fashion Week Model image 2016 winner; Saida Smith; and Mickael Sam, among others.

The Sassy Revellers and the Enigma Dance companies are slated to perform on the night of the show.

Patrons will be treated to collections by some of Guyana’s leading designers, such as Sonia Noel and Tracey Douglas and by visiting regional designer Keshon Hawthorne out of Jamaica. Keshon was a finalist in Caribbean Reality TV Show, Mission Catwalk. Meanwhile, lucky patrons will walk away with fabulous door prizes such as designers’ outfits and much more.

Tickets for the event cost $4000 with patrons being treated to complimentary cocktails during intermission.

Tickets are available at the Sonia Noel Makin Style Boutique, Court Yard Mall, Robb Street, Georgetown; and at Theatre Guild, Parade Street, Kingston.

“Dedication to Daddy” for NCC on Sunday H

&T Theatre Arts Group will be staging its Father’s Day Cultural Extravaganza titled “Dedication to Daddy” at the National Cultural Centre on June 18, at 20:00h.

The production will be staged under the directorship of Sheron CadoganTaylor, Playwright/ Director/Producer, who promises that it will be a night to remember.

The musical-drama depicts the trials and triumphs of our male folk, young and old, and will see performances by award-winning dramatists Mark LukeEdwards, Nathaya Whaul, Sean Thompson, Simone Dowding, Sonia Yarde, and Paul Budnah.

Colin Ambrose, Barbara Lee, Keon Heywood, and Cleveland Hutson will be

serenading the audience with their melodious voices, while Makini Harry-Thompson will lend her voice in poetry.

In addition, the show will feature dance performances from Free Souls Dance Theatre and Jennifer Ramdeo.

The producers have indicated that a few fathers will be given special honours during the show.

The programme starts at 20:00h sharp and tickets costs $1500. The producers promise a spectacular show with treats for all fathers in attendance. It is entertainment for the entire family.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, june 16, 2017

She aspires to be a family lawyer and a psychologist – these desires are deeply rooted in her belief in the institution of family. “I believe that the family is the cornerstone of society and if it can erase many social issues if it is strong. For example the high rise in teenage suicide,” she told Guyana Times Entertainment.

Her hobbies are reading and babysitting.

“D

e Olive” – Poet and model at KAST Talent Management Nineteen-year-old Grace Allia Hutson, also known as “de Olive”, stands at five feet, four inches tall and is a former student of Queen’s College. Currently, she is a student at the University of

Guyana, where she is pursuing a degree in International Relations.

Having been a former actress and singer, she is now a member of the KAST Talent Management as a poet and model. Her goal in life is to achieve as many things as possible while she still has life in her.

F

ather’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, June 18, and everyone is planning big for the special occasion.

While some plan on spending time with their fathers at home, some will be treating theirs to goodies and probably a movie.

This Father’s Day, however, Palm Court, on Main Street, Georgetown, will be the place to take your father to enjoy music at its best.

Performing “Daddy... he is we own”, the spectacular Dave Martins will thrill fathers in attendance with some of his hits.

for Tower Hotel poolside this evening

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he Tower Hotel poolside, Main Street, Georgetown, will be the place to be this evening as the delegates for the upcoming Miss World Guyana Pageant will showcase their talent.

Come and be tantalised by the delegates as they parade in their swimwear. This is the perfect opportunity to support the contestants as they vie for the coveted title slated for June 25 at the Marriott Hotel.

The event at the poolside is titled “Girl Power” and it is expected to be epic. Tower poolside will be lit up, as the ladies entertain you.

Patrons can enjoy specials on Corona Beer, Hookahs and the hotel’s delicious pizzas and platters of different varieties.

In addition, there will be two happy hours between 18:00h and 19:00h.

Hoocorona Friday and Miss Guyana World want to ensure that this is an after-work lime like no other.

The excitement begins at 17:00h, so patrons are asked to come out early and grab their seats for a show with a difference. Admission is absolutely free so all you have to do is show up! Don’t miss this exciting event!

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wo lead singers of the Shakti StringS Orchestra – Steven Ramphal and Roger Bowen – have teamed up to record “Tequila”. This new song has been creating some buzz since it was released a week ago.

The song was written

by Steven Ramphal and recorded in the Bunty Singh Studio.

The young Ramphal was born on December 25, 1992, in Suriname and at age four, the family migrated to Guyana.

He is a young and multilatented individual who loves cooking and spending time with family. He is married to the young and beautiful Allana Premdas Ramphal and has a son named Matthew Dean Ramphal.

His musical journey began at age six when his uncle, Rohan Rooplall, who loves playing the keyboard, would sit in afternoon playing, with the youngster sitting beside him, humming and trying to sing every song he played.

He dreamed of becoming a young singer and it was at age 18 his dreams became reality when he was offered the job of being one of the lead singers in the Shakti Strings International Band. “Being on stage made me feel like i was not only accomplishing my dreams but it was me showing my friends

Fathers of all ages are welcome to be a part of the celebrations, as we say thank you to the fathers who have definitely shaped our future.

During the evening, fathers can enjoy beer specials and the curry fireside will be lit and ready to cook some tasty curry including duck, chicken and mutton which will be on sale.

Doors open at 15:00h and the concert will begin at 18:00h. Admission to this event is absolutely free.

and family that nothing is impossible,” he told Guyana Times Entertainment.

He first performed in Canal Number One, on the West Bank of Demerara, at a Banks DIH event where he was announced as the youngest front liner for the Shakti Strings Band. He recalled being very nervous for the first 10 minutes of his performance.

But after the third song, all the fear went away after seeing how everyone loved the way he sang and how he performed. He recalled that as he was finishing up his performance and about to walk off the stage, the crowd began calling his name, requesting that the young singer return to the stage to give a little more.

It was then he realised he needed to do more for the fans he made. In 2012 he recorded his first hit single “Gyul please Go”, which opened a gateway to his name being made in the music industry. Ramphal then recorded multiple singles such as “All De Gyuls”, “Same Game”, “Playa Days”, “Wedding Ring”, and his most memorable and emotion song “Let’s Make A Change”.

Meanwhile, Roger Bowen is no stranger to the music industry. He participated in the Carib Soca Monarch competition on several occasions and is a soca singer for the Shakti Strings Orchrstra.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, june 16, 2017

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he encampment period of the Miss World Guyana 2017 competition has begun. This year, the 10 finalists are being housed and hosted by Windsor Estates; a premium residential community conveniently located minutes away from the Providence National Stadium, on the East Bank of Demerara.

Kissoon Modern Industries Limited provided the house furnishings – the one-stop shop for everyone’s home and office needs. Groceries are being provided by Massy Supermarket, whose motto is “our Family Serving Your Family”. With the help of these supporting entities and others, the organisers of the pageant hope to enhance the journey of the finalists for this first ever Miss World Guyana encampment.

Last Saturday, the 10 regional ambassadors officially took up residence and were greeted by a ‘Welcome to Windsor Meet and Greet’ with the residence of this upscale community.

The residents not only came out to support the delegates but to freely share words of advice and guidance about personal development and their journey towards selfexploration. Sueria Manufacturing was also along to share the daily cocktail with the residents.

During the encampment period, the finalists will focus on building the bonds of sisterhood, exchanging ideas, planning for the future along with scheduled sessions for empowering women on lifestyle choices, styling, makeup training, change, meditation, poise/catwalk training, etc.

Finals Remaining challenge areas are the Space Gym Sports and Fitness Challenge being held at the National Park on June 14, with admission being free.

This is followed by Tower’s Talent Challenge on June 16, at the Tower Hotel. Admission is also free.

The Beauty with a Purpose Fair will be held on Main Street, Georgetown, on June 23, where the finalists will have their projects on display as they focus on fundraising, using GTT’s text to vote system.

All are welcome free of charge; however, all attendees are asked to support their favourite projects by texting the word “one” to “ten” for their favourite finalist’s project.

S

harda Pramdeo is a young lady with a vision, a heart that finds passion for the finer things in life but also to look out for those who have no means of looking out for themselves.

This 18-year-old belle was born on January 8, 1999, at the West Demerara Regional Hospital to an ecstatic young mother who sacrificed a lot to make the young woman the person she is today.

Sharda, who currently resides in Tuschen Housing Scheme, on the East Bank of Essequibo, is new to the world of pageantry, with Miss World Guyana 2017 being a whole new realm for her.

But don’t be fooled, she might not have the experience but she is bringing her ‘A’ game to the competition.

Pramdeo is currently an employee of the Guyana Revenue Authority – Tax Operations and Services Division – and in her spare time she makes sure she does the things that she’s passionate about. These include photography and drawing. She related that she loves looking at things around her as though her eyes are the lens of a camera. She professes to have a very high sense of taste for creativity and class. The beauty also enjoys dancing, cycling, playing with children and reading books.

The Miss World pageant is all about promoting young women, helping them to grow in confidence. It is for this reason, among others, that Pramdeo decided to be a delegate in the pageant.

She is already confident and self-love is her greatest quality, but she wanted to use this to inspire others to look at themselves the way she looks at herself.

As she said, “I believe in myself and I know with hard work as my priority, I can get anything done. I’m not just saying it but it was proven from past experiences.” Her Beauty With a Purpose platform will be implemented under the title “Raising Awareness For Physical Violence Against Women.”

Unlimited texting available with $20 for each text going towards a great cause and back into the community – each amazing Beauty with a Purpose project vote costs $34.80 [VAT inclusive].

GTT’s People’s Choice [Multimedia] and Karon’s Bruce Photogenic Completion [Multimedia] will conclude on June 25, along with the Top Model Competition. The grand coronation, which will be held on June 25 at the Marriott Hotel, will feature Guyanese culture and promote local artists.

The results from all challenges will be added to the final round in order to determine an overall winner.

The finalists vying for the Miss World Guyana 2017 title and the amazing opportunity to represent Guyana in China come November are: * Region One (Barima Waini) – Delisha Wright * Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) – Sharda Pramdeo * Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) – Hemwantie Seodat * Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – Vena Mookram * Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) – Joelly Valentine * Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) – Thamesha Watson

Thus far, she has already started and has even formed an alliance with RIVAH, a non-governmental organisation formed

by Miss World Guyana and Miss World Caribbean 2014, Rafieya Husain. The organisation which is dedicated to assisting women who suffer domestic violence, will allow Pramdeo to take her project one step further.

Her mother was the reason why she chose that platform. In fact, her mother had given birth to her at a very young age and it made growing up difficult for both her and her sister. They moved around quite a bit and it was evident to her that her mom was hurting because she was struggling to take care of them. From moving around that much as well, she saw many women enduring domestic abuse and being the person she is, she just had to take a stand against it.

Little needs to be asked about who her inspiration is but if you haven’t figured it out by now, her mother has been her greatest form of inspiration and will continue to be so for as long as she lives. “The most influential person in my life is my mother. My mother is exactly who I want to be like in the future; kind, compassionate, hardworking and a true epitome of a God-fearing individual. She is an inspiration for me and others who know her.”

This was her message to young women now discovering themselves: “To all the young ladies out there who do not know who you are or you’re now discovering who you truly are, I would like to say that you should first learn to love yourself and believe in everything that you do. If you can’t love yourself then you can’t love others. It is said that strong women don’t play victims, they don’t make themselves pitiful and they don’t throw stones and point fingers at others. They stand and they deal.

Do not allow anyone to make you feel inferior….” Definitely words of wisdom

* Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) – Ariell Basdeo * Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) – Crystal Wills * Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) – Manisha Wong * Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) – Nitifah Thompson Tickets are available at GTT offices, Cara Lodge and John Lewis Styles, and cost $7500 for standard seating and $12,000 for VIP (inclusive of VIP cocktail hour).

Guyana hosts 1st International Hashing Adventure

Hashers traversing a creek

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and words we hope someone will take meaningfully.

The recently sashed Miss Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) already has plans for when she becomes Miss World Guyana 2017 as she stated, “Should I become the next Miss World Guyana or when I become the next Miss World Guyana, I would like to empower women all around us. I am very passionate about my platform – Domestic Violence Against Women – and I hope to hold a voice for all those out there who do not seem to have the courage to speak up. I would be active in many charitable works so that I can give back to our society. I would also like to target children so that they will be able to know the consequences of domestic violence and won’t even dare take a chance to be a perpetrator of such an act.”

Life is paved with many difficulties, there are always ups and downs but as an individual who loves herself, Pramdeo is able to overcome any situation.

She believes that if you love yourself, there is no individual or situation that should bring you down.

he Guyana Hash House Harriers (GHHH) for the first time welcomed an entire delegation of regional hashers to discover the wonders of Guyana, as the nature lovers embark on a four-day adventure experience.

Scores of hashers attached to the Port of Spain Hash House Harriers (POSHHH) journeyed to Guyana to participate in an international hash which commenced on Thursday, June 15 and is expected to last through until Sunday, June 18.

The local hosts have organised a thrilling expedition which will lead the visitors to various locales across the country to partake in the agelong hashing traditions, including exciting trail runs.

Day one kick-started the experience with a much anticipated ‘Pub Crawl’, during which the approximately 80 Trinidadian Hashers joined by the Guyanese fleet, took to The Strip, housed at the Giftland Malls to indulge in an array of beverages (primarily beers) as well as local delicacies. This marked the perfect welcome to Guyana as the foreigners were given a taste of the different flavours made possible by the multiethnic societies existing in this part of the region.

The journey will then

take the hashers deeper into the country as a grand trail is set for the Mahaicony Creek today. These adventure packed endeavours are set to continue for the remainder of the journey as yet another run will be staged on Saturday at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, with the curtains being drawn following a River Tour of the Essequibo Islands which will be conducted on Sunday.

The four-day international hash will expose of the members of the POSHHH to a unique insight of the country, allowing them a chance to bask in the lush greenies while at the same time having firsthand encounters with wildlife found in the land of many waters.

The people, their food and the Guyanese culture are all part and parcel of the once in a lifetime adventure.

The GHHH and POSHHH International Hash is in accordance with the worldwide connection of hashers, dating back to as far as World War II. In Guyana, the group of about 40 local hashers usually convene once every fortnight during which traditions such as the trail run and ‘chalk talk’ (circle conversations) along with other social activities and escapades are generally honoured.

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Pant and Kuldeep named in India squad for West Indies tour R

ohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah will not travel to the Caribbean after the ICC Champions Trophy.

Teenager Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav have been included in the India limited-overs squad for the upcoming tour of West Indies.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Pant and spinner Kuldeep are in contention to make their one-day international debuts in the Caribbean.

Opening batsman Rohit Sharma and paceman Jasprit Bumrah will not travel after playing their part in the ICC Champions Trophy.

India will play the first of five ODIs at the Queen's Park Oval against the Windies on June 23 before competing in a one-off Twenty20 at Sabina Park on July 9.

Anil Kumble is set to stay on as coach for the series despite the fact that his contract ends after the Champions Trophy, Kumble is in the mix to stay on in the role, but had to reapply for the position.

India squad: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and Dinesh Karthik.

WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder charged with marijuana possession

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WBC heavyweight boxing champ Deontay Wilder Rishabh Pant

topped in Alabama for a window-tint violation, the unbeaten world champion boxer Deontay Wilder was charged with misdemeanour possession.

Police have confirmed WBC heavyweight boxing champ Deontay Wilder was charged with second-degree marijuana possession on Wednesday after a traffic stop in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Wilder was charged with misdemeanour possession and duly released on a $1,000 bond. His attorney, Paul Patterson, said the marijuana found in Wilder’s SUV did not belong to the boxer.

“Deontay has been out of state for several days,” Patterson told the Tuscaloosa News. “He returned home today from Georgia driving his Rolls Royce and selected his Cadillac Escalade from his fleet of vehicles to run errands.”

According to police spokeswoman Lt. Teena Richardson, Wilder’s SUV was pulled over for a window-tint violation, and Tuscaloosa PD officers said there was an odour of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

Wilder gave the police consent to search the Escalade, where they found a small amount of marijuana in the console.

Wilder (38-0, 37 knockouts) hasn’t fought since a fifthround knockout of Gerald Washington on February 25.

Bolt will face fight to go out on top ‒ Coe Kohli hails Jadhav's (Sportsmax)

IAAF President Sebastian Coe

D

espite heaping mountains of praise on world’s fastest man Usain Bolt, IAAF president Sebastian Coe believes the sprinter could be hard pressed to go out on top come this summer’s London World Championships.

The 30-year-old Bolt has vowed to

retire from the sport later this year, following the London meet, where he will look to end his career undefeated over the distance at a world meet.

A plethora of sprinters, the United States’ Justin Gatlin, rising Canadian sprint star Andre De Grasse and his Racers Track Club teammate Yohan Blake will be looking to spoil the going away party.

Bolt faced his biggest challenge at a major games at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, managing to beat Gatlin by just one-hundredths of a second. The 23-year-old De Grasse

a bronze medallist at the last three major games has eyed a move to the top of the table this time around, while a resurgent Blake, once thought to be Bolt’s natural successor will also have thoughts of proving his worth.

“This year, it could be as tight as 2015,” Coe told I News.

“There will be challenges this time, he’s a little bit older, but the one thing he does have going for him is that inestimable quality,” he said. “He knows how to go through the rounds and he knows more about it than anybody else.” (Sportsmax)

Controversy as Scotland claim historic victory over Zimbabwe

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here was a controversial conclusion as Scotland claimed an historic win against Zimbabwe in the first ODI. Scotland claimed their first 50over win against a Test-playing nation in a rain-affected first ODI with Zimbabwe in Edinburgh on yesterday, prevailing by 26 runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method as Malcolm Waller was controversially caught out.

Record run-scorer Kyle Coetzer’s 109 put the hosts in a strong position at The Grange, while Craig Wallace and Michael Leask shone lower down the order with respective knocks of 58 and 59 as Scotland finished on 317-6, posting their second-highest score against a full member na-

tion to set the tourists a challenging target.

Sikandar Raza’s run out, which left Zimbabwe on 107-4, was the last action before a lengthy rain delay, with Zimbabwe returning to a revised target of 299 from 43 overs.

They promptly slumped to 1938 and, though Waller struck 92 off 62 balls, his dismissal in the 41st over effectively ended the tourists’ hopes.

However, Waller’s exit came amid controversy as he claimed fielder Chris Sole had stepped over the boundary rope when taking a catch, with replays appearing to indicate that may well have been the case. (Sportsmax)

difference-making spell

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edar Jadhav's bowling was the difference in India's crushing win over Bangladesh, according to Virat Kohli.

Virat Kohli hailed Kedar Jadhav as the difference-maker after India hammered Bangladesh to reach the ICC Champions Trophy final.

India claimed a nine-wicket win at Edgabston on Thursday to set up a final with arch-rivals Pakistan at The Oval on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma starred with the bat, scoring 123 off 129 balls and sharing an unbroken stand of 178 with skipper Kohli (96 not out) as India easily chased down a target of 265 with 59 deliveries to spare.

But Bangladesh's total could have been much more imposing had Jadhav (2-22) not claimed the key wickets of Tamim Iqbal (70) and Mushfiqur Rahim (61), who had guided the Tigers to a strong position at 154-2.

Kohli said of Jadhav's spell at the post-match media conference: "Hardik [Pandya] went for a few in his first three, so we wanted to give him a bit of a break and cover up overs through Kedar, and with one left-hander batting, we knew that he had the ability to get in two, three, dot balls to the left-hander every over. But it ended up changing the whole game for us.

"When moves like this pay off, I won't take the whole credit. Obviously I asked MS [Dhoni], as well, and we both decided that Kedar is a good option at the moment, and he bowled really well. I mean, credit to him.

"He doesn't bowl much in the nets, but he's a smart cricketer. He knows where batsmen get in trouble, and if you can think like a batter when you're bowling, it's obviously a bit of an advantage to any bowler, so I think that he executed perfectly. "Kedar's spell was probably the difference in the game for us when we were bowling, and he got us those breakthroughs and then we were able to build on it, and I think that the wicket was easily a 300-, 310-par wicket, and to get 260, to restrict them to 260 on that sort of wicket, they never got away from us, and that is a good thing about our bowling.

"We never let them get to six an over, as well. So I think from that point of view, it was very clinical by the bowlers, especially looking at how flat the wicket was, I think they adapted really well." (Sportmax)

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India steamroll Bangladesh, set up ICC Champions Trophy final vs Pakistan I ndian cricket team is a win away from a third ICC Champions Trophy title after rolling over Bangladesh in a semifinal match at Birmingham.

India clash with Pakistan in Sunday’s final.

In the city of Cadbury World, India tasted sweet success as Virat Kohli’s men stormed into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy with an emphatic nine-wicket win against Bangladesh at the Edgbaston cricket ground.

India will play a mouth-watering final against Pakistan at The Oval on Sunday.

Rohit Sharma (123 not out), who struck his 11th ODI century, and Shikhar Dhawan milked the fourpronged Bangladesh pace attack with gay abandon as India, the defending champions, never looked back after stepping on the gas right from the second over.

Virat Kohli, who was unbeaten on 96, hit the winning four as India won with 59 balls to spare.

In a tournament full of twists and turns, India ended Bangladesh’s fairytale run with a commanding display, typical of a team used to big-match pressure.

Bangladesh, put into bat

by India, paid the price for a reckless batting approach and their 264 for seven was a good 50 runs short on a wicket full of runs. India’s emphatic win underlined that fact that they are the tournament’s most complete side.

But for a 123-run third wicket stand between Tamim Iqbal (70) and Mushfiqur Rahim (61), Bangladesh failed to pace their innings and largely invited pressure by too many dot balls. Part-time off-spinner Kedar Jadhav plotted Bangladesh’s downfall with the wickets of Tamim and Mushfiqur.

Dhawan-Rohit fireworks Having being bred over a rich diet of IPL, Indian

batsmen know a thing or two about chasing scores.

Dhawan and Rohit Sharma began in furious pace and singled out Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed for some special treatment.

Mustafizur, once the

run stand off 153 balls with Sharma to put the game beyond a hapless Bangladesh.

Kohli’s arrival gave Rohit Sharma more freedom. It was Shakib Al Hasan’s turn for some spanking as Mortaza rotated his bowlers

The Virat Kohli-led India will face Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final at The Oval on Sunday

scourge of Indian batsmen, bowled the wrong lengths, allowing Dhawan the luxury to free his arms to drive and cut. The white ball has barely swung in English conditions and Taskin went for runs for failing to control his pace and bounce.

Rohit’s innings was perhaps more graceful. On Thursday, he looked more at comfort with his dodgy hamstring. Effectively, the opener moved his feet well, quickly got in line with the deliveries, easily transferred weight back on his right leg to score boundaries square off the wicket.

India suffered their first blow in the 15th over.

Dhawan (46 off 34 balls) charged out to Mashrafe Mortaza and sliced a drive to the man at point. It injected new life to Bangladesh, both on and off the field, but momentarily.

On a sunny afternoon and in front of a record crowd, Edgbaston, drowned in saffron, white and green, gave Virat Kohli a lavish welcome to the crease.

Kohli responded by scoring 50 off 42 balls and put on a match-winning 178-

with little effect.

India’s 100 came off 98 balls as the scoring graph rocketed, Bangladesh went defensive. With the slip cordon off, runs came off clever nudges to the region behind point.

Kohli and Sharma delighted the crowd with copybook drives on both sides of the wicket as the dhols and conch shells came out heralding the good omens.

Kohli’s innings blossomed as his rasping drives, all along the ground, deflated Mustafizur and Rubel Hossain.

India took just 39 balls to go from 100 to 150.

Bangladesh fell back on its show bowlers to arrest the torrent of runs. Off-spinner Mosaddek Hossain joined the attack but it made no difference.

Reckless Bangladesh Earlier, A reckless Bangladesh lost two wickets off seven balls at a crucial stage of their innings to hand India the advantage.

Jadhav turned the screws on Bangladesh with the big wickets of Tamim and Mushfiqur. This came at a stage when Bangladesh

were consolidating their innings and looked good for a score close to 300.

Kohli’s decision to introduce Kedar Jadhav proved to be a master-stroke.

The pressure of dot balls forced two set batsman to make silly errors. Tamim and Mushfiqur’s third wicket stand came after Bangladesh were down to 31 for two in the seventh over.

Tamim scored his 38th ODI fifty and Mushfiqur got his 26th but Bangladesh needed more than that from two of their best batsmen.

Bangladesh, playing their first semifinal of an ICC tournament at this level, tried to take the game by the scruff of its neck but that ploy did not work.

India retained the playing XI that smashed South Africa by eight wickets at The Oval on Sunday.

Jasprit Bumrah shared the

new ball with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was rewarded for bowling a good off-stump line as the Bangladesh top order unnecessarily tried to force the pace in the first powerplay.

If Ravichandran Ashwin was ineffective on a flat batting wicket, Kedar Jadhav and Jadeja cleverly used the fuller length ball to good effect.

Shakib Al Hasan was a big disappointment, scoring just 15 on a big day. He too misjudged turn and length and perished edging to MS Dhoni, whose glovework was once again impeccable.

Bumrah returned for his final spell and his IPL experience came to fore. Two wickets in a space of 10 balls polished off the Bangladesh lower order. The below par total finally came to hurt Bangladesh, who saw their fairytale run end with a whimper. (HindustanTimes)

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh innings Tamim Iqbal b Jadhav 70 Soumya Sarkar b Kumar 0 Sabbir Rahman c Jadeja b Kumar 19 Mushfiqur Rahim† c Kohli b Jadhav 61 Shakib Al Hasan c †Dhoni b Jadeja 15 Mahmudullah b Bumrah 21 Mosaddek Hossain c & b Bumrah 15 Mashrafe Mortaza* not out 30 10 Taskin Ahmed not out Extras (lb 9, w 7, nb 2, pen 5) 23 Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 264 (5.28 runs per over) Did not bat: Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Soumya Sarkar, 0.6 ov), 2-31 (Sabbir Rahman, 6.5 ov), 3-154 (Tamim Iqbal, 27.6 ov), 4-177 (Shakib Al Hasan, 34.2 ov), 5-179 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 35.2 ov), 6-218 (Mosaddek Hossain, 42.3 ov), 7-229 (Mahmudullah, 44.6 ov) Bowling

B Kumar 10-1-53 -2(1w), JJ Bumrah 10-1-2, R Ashwin 10-039 54-0(3w), HH Pandya 4-0-34-0(2nb, 2w)RA Jadeja 100-48-1, KM Jadhav 6-0-22-2(1w) India innings (target: 265 runs from 50 overs) RG Sharma not out 123 S Dhawan c Mosaddek Hossain b 46 Mashrafe Mortaza V Kohli* not out 96 Extras 0 Total (1 wicket; 40.1 overs)265 Did not bat Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni†, KM Jadhav, HH Pandya, RA Jadeja, R Ashwin, B Kumar, JJ Bumrah Fall of wickets 1-87 (Dhawan, 14.4 ov) Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 8-0-29-1, Mustafizur Rahman 6-0-53-0, Taskin Ahmed 7-0-49-0, Rubel Hossain 6-046-0, Shakib Al Hasan 9-0-540, Mosaddek Hossain2-0-13-0, Mahmudullah 1-0-10-0, Sabbir Rahman1.1-0-11-0

GFF should have dealt with Elite League relegation of Clubs professionally E ven as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is in the process of reintegrating the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Pele FC into the activities of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), a member of GFC maintains that the relegation process late last year could have been dealt with differently.

A source from GFC speaking to Guyana Times Sports under the condition of anonymity said that the GFF should have dealt with the relegation of the club in a more “professional manner.”

The relegation had stemmed from four clubs; Pele FC, GFC, Alpha FC and Slingerz FC withdrawing from the STAG Elite League due to numerous issues cited by the aforementioned clubs.

Instead of the GFF sending a letter notifying the GFC of their relegation, the source maintained that the Federation could have called a meeting and dealt with the matter like “adults”.

Initially it was portrayed that the clubs refused to continue their participation in the league due to two other teams being added to the initial 8 teams in the league, however the GFC representative pointed out that there were other issues that lead to the refusal to be a part of the league which were cited by the relegated clubs that were never properly addressed by the GFF. The source continued that the whole fiasco has led to some 80 players being out of jobs and an additional 25 coaches as well as millions of dollars being wasted.

In a recent release to the media, it was noted that the next major activities of the Association are the GFF-Pele Alumni Frank Watson National U15 Tournament and the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U17 Tournament, the latter scheduled to begin this weekend.

“These competitions will afford the youth players from the respective clubs the much needed opportunity to be engaged in active football.

“Further, the senior team will be allowed to participate in the Association’s tournaments and compete to regain their position in the elite league,” the release stated.

GFC and Pele FC are being reintegrated into the Georgetown Football Association

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

fridAY, june 16, 2017

GCB/Hand-In-Hand U-19 Inter-County 3-day…

Rain ensures Demerara retain title

– Yadram named MVP

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Most Valuable Player Bhaskar Yadram collects his award from GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie

NSBF laying the foundation for basketball in Guyana ‒ YBG President

washed out third day assured Demerara retained their Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Hand-In-Hand under-19 Inter-county Three-day title at the Everest Cricket Club on Thursday to add to their 50over accolade won earlier this month.

The early morning down pours prevented any possible play in their clash against Berbice which looked to be heading to trilling finale.

At the end of day two Demerara were in a spot of bother with the score being 95 for 9 from 48 overs, leading by 119. This was after off-spinner Karan Arjpaul ripped through the innings to produce remarkable figures of 9 for 22.

Over at the Police Sports Club (PSC) ground, rain also washed out the entire day’s play between the National

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Raymond Perez was the highest run-scorer accumulating 259 runs with a best of 125 while Keshram Seyhodan (18 wickets) was the highest wicket taker, having a best of 6 for 67 from 21 overs; Nedd was second with 15 wickets.

Likewise Demerara’s Joshua Persaud and U-17s Robin Williams shared the most dismissals (three) award for wicketkeepers.

Demerara accumulated 25.5 points ahead of Berbice’s 19.7; National u-17s select squad (11.1) and Essequibo in the cellar position with 8.6 points.

The tournament was held in preparation of the Regional u-19 tournament which will be in St. Kitts and Nevis from July 21 to August 28.

No stepping back ‒ Slingerz

Action in the National Schools Basketball Festival

ince its introduction in 2004, the National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) which is the product of Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) has developed and expanded to the point where it is now seen as the foundation of the sport in Guyana. There are now competitions in at least three different categories (U-14, U-19 and Females) during the NSBF season.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sports, YBG Director, Chris Bowman pointed out that if one were to remove the last 12 years of the NSBF there’d be a huge gap in the development and nurturing of the sport in Guyana.

He contended that in recent years all of the country’s National teams are usually “loaded with players who come from the National Schools Basketball Festival.”

In addition Bowman stressed the importance of Schools’ involvement and support for their respective teams as he pointed out that “too often are the bleachers empty”, the absence of school support for these teams is an issue that needs to be rectified.

In terms of investment, Bowman noted that while sometimes it is heavy, there are returns as the continued development of players at the youth level is invaluable. More so at the U-16, U-17 level with the U-16 team taking Silver at last year’s Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) championships falling just short behind the Bahamas. The CBC saw the emergence of brilliant young players especially the U-16 captain Jordon Alphonso and Kevon Wiggins.

The majority of that U-16 squad will form the core of the U-17 squad that will travel to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic in July to participate in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Centrobasket U-17 Championships. This is the first time in Guyana’s history that the Basketball team has qualified for the tournament.

While adequate sponsorship for the tournament has not always been there, Bowman expressed gratitude that there is still a tournament and expressed confidence that the NSBF will continue to churn out outstanding young male and female basketball players who will ultimately represent Guyana at the various levels of the sport.

Under-17 select squad and Essequibo.

The U-17s were bowled out for 227 on Wednesday with Kevlon Anderson scoring a glorious 101.

Essequibo, in their reply, struggled against the bowling and closed on 1009. Left -arm spinner Ashmead Nedd snared 4 for 29 from 33 overs while Anderson chipped in with 3 for 5.

Both Arjpaul and Anderson were given the man-of-the match awards for their respective performances.

West Indies under-19 player Bhaskar Yadram was the named the tournament’s most valuable player scoring 204 runs, taking 10 wickets with a best of 4 for 37 and also took two catches while replacing the injured first choice wicketkeeper.

Demerara’s opening batsman

GFF President Wayne Forde

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hile senior football in Guyana is at a pause, the off-field antics are certainly in full effect as Slingerz Football Club Secretary Collin `BL’ Aaron disclosed that the club has no intentions of returning to West Demerara Association (WDA) Football after being relegated from the Elite League.

“We [have] already been through that and we are not going back. If we were found guilty, we didn’t have a choice but the [Guyana Football Federation] disciplinary committee already ruled. We did nothing wrong”, Aaron said in an interview with Guyana Times Sport yesterday.

On Wednesday, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in a released stated that they commenced efforts to reintegrate Pele Football Club and the Georgetown Football Club into the activities of their Association, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), following their relegation from the Elite League.

However, no mention was made of Slingerz FC and Alpha United, the other two clubs relegated due to their non-participation in the league.

The clubs absence from the league was due to them not being in agreement with GFF Executive decision to expand the league with two clubs (Victoria Kings and Top XX).

The released added, “The GFF had taken the decision to relegate both clubs in accordance with Article; 13,1a and 13,1c of the Constitution of the Guyana Football Federation following their withdrawal from the senior league.”

Article 13 s 1(a) states “The Members have the following obligations: a) to comply fully with the Statutes/Constitution, regulations, directives and decisions of FIFA, CONCACAF and the Federation at all times and to ensure by a statutory clause that these are also respected by its Affiliates”.

While article 13 s 1(c) states “to take part in competitions (if applicable) or other sporting activities organised/approved by the Federation”.

Aaron also added that “Slingerz is not doing that we have all the judgement against them, we are not wrong in no way so we are not doing it. That is why we are in the court.”

The GFF is being sued by the Alpha United and Slingerz Football Clubs for over $88 Million. The clubs have since been granted an interim injunction against the GFF, which restrains the respondent from holding and electing officers of the executive committee at the Congress; paying out the prize money of the Guyana Football Federation’s Elite League 2016/2017; and holding congress to amend the constitution to increase the membership of Elite League clubs from eight to ten.

Aaron confidence in the matter being adjudged in their favour stems from the fact that Disciplinary Committee comprising of Attorneys Sanjeev Datadin (Chairman) and Natasha Vieira, along with Dr. Clement McEwan ruled that the executive committee’s decision to move the STAG Elite League from eight to ten teams was ultra vires their powers and unconstitutional and that the GFF Constitution can only be amended by Congress and the Executive Committee had no authority to unilaterally amend the Constitution in any manner whatsoever.

However, GFF President Wayne Forde with the support of FIFA had

Slingerz FC Secretary Colin Aaron

stated last month that the committee had no such powers rule on the matter.

When this publication contacted the President for a comment on the issue, he explained that it would “difficult for the clubs return given the legal dispute”.

“Ultimately, each one of the clubs have a choice, they can spend 10 years in the court and don’t play any football or they can do what is right and play football because the interest of the players is most important to us”, Forde revealed.

In explaining why the other clubs were given an attempt at returning to football, Forde stated that it was they showcased a willingness to play football.

“Those clubs want to play football, they have been relegated and they didn’t challenge their relegation so for the right thing for us to do is to facilitate them to be reintegrated”, Forde stated.

He added, “We have to take things one step at a time and we are happy they are starting at the youth level and I’m sure they will have opportunities to play at senior level. The federation is available and will support them to in any way possible that they need to be supported so they can get back into football”.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, june 16, 2017

23

RHTY&SC Patron’s Green Economy Cricket Tournament

New India Insurance and Yokohama Trading join list of sponsors

Safraz Sheriffudeen (second from left kneeling) V-Net Vipers pose with one of their receive silverware

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ape-ball can be played by anyone and the risks of injury are far less in comparison to that played with the leather ball. However in recent times, there seems to be a decline in the popularity of the sport in Guyana even though are some ardent followers.

In this regard V-Net Communications is seeking to play a role in helping to bring the sport back to its prime. Managing Director of the Delph Street, Campbellville located entity Safraz Sheriffudeen recently told Guyana Times Sport that the sport had created much hype yesteryear and it gave ‘hard ball’ players an

President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson

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avenue to showcase their skills in the off-season.

Given that rain, hardly hampers the playing of the sport since it is played on a tarmacs , the Manager Director feels that it allow for competition to be played year round.

With the intention of improving the standard of Tape-Ball cricket Sheriffudeen has formed a team called the V-Net Vipers which has some Guyana’s leading players in their arsenal such as Keemo Paul, Kemol Savoury, Anthony Adams and Kevon Boodie.

The Vipers have already injected venom with victories in the

Independence Super Six and a self-sponsored Super Eight tournament.

Sheriffudeen quest is not stopping in Georgetown , since he plans to return to Wakenaam to organize wind ball competition for schools. Only in May the company partnered with Paul to donate sporting equipment to the small community of Saxacalli, located on the West Bank of the Essequibo River some 25 miles south of Parika.

The Vipers are currently preparing for the lucrative Transcend Entertainment Tape Ball Cricket Festival on Sunday at the National Park Tarmac.

AAG seeking to integrate Post-High School development programme for athletes

he Athletics Association of Guyana is seeking to introduce a “Post-High School” programme to ensure that athletes who would have come through the Primary and secondary school’ system continue their education as well as their respective athletic disciplines.

This was revealed by the President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson in an interview with Guyana Times Sports; “We are trying desperately, if ever there was a plan; this is THE plan, to develop Technical or Tertiary Institutions’ Championships, that can keep them (athletes) involved, keep them competitive, and let’s hope by the time they (athletes) get out of there, they can earn us the kind of recognition in terms of winning medals at Olympics or World Championships.”

This plan according to Hutson stemmed from the lack of educational and competitive athletic opportunities available to athletes once they would have completed secondary school.

“We also have to look at the post high school era, which is one of the

most difficult eras for them (athletes), because after leaving school, the only institution that you can go to that will keep you as an active athlete is the army or police force.”

He pointed out that some parents would not want their children to join one of the disciplined services; “many athletes or parents may not necessarily want their children to join a disciplined service, they might want to continue their education and those (athletes) who may not be university prospects, would be at the Technical institutes, the question is how do you keep them actively involved in athletics,” Hutson asked.

The AAG is currently in talks with the University of Guyana and policy makers within the Ministry of Education, this plan, the president noted is being welcomed by the parties involved.

Hutson pointed out that one such example of an athlete who needs tertiary level athletic competition is CARIFTA and South American Youth Championships medalist Daniel

Williams. “He will be out of school just now and he’s still a youth. He’s exposed now to a junior program, but what will happen to him in his later years when he reaches the age of 21, 22?How do you keep him directly involved active athletics?”

“That gap is of great concern to me; of what happens between ages 17-19 to some athletes” the AAG president declared.

Guyana had a historic showing at the recently concluded South American Youth Championships hosted at the National Synthetic Track , Leonora, where the national U-20 athletes bagged an astounding 25 medals eclipsing their previous record of 8 medals since the introduction of the Continental championship in 1958.

Compton Caesar who won gold in the 100m and silver in the 200m was one of the standout athletes along with Daniel Williams, Chantoba Bright who took gold in the long jump, Anfernee Headecker, Onasha Rogers and Claudrice McKoy.

New India Manager Sarswatie Basdeo hands over the sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster in the presence of a staff member

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ew India Insurance Company of Brickdam, Georgetown, and Yokohama Trading of Barrack Street, Kingston, are the latest two companies to come on board to support the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club’s Patron Green Economy Cricket Tournament.

The Tournament which would involve eight teams bowls off on Saturday 1st July, 2017, at the Albion Sports Complex and is being organised in honour of the Club’s Patron His Excellency, President David Granger’s 72nd birthday which would be celebrated on the 15th July, 2017.

Yokohama Trading would be sponsoring the cost of groundsmen, scorers and score board attendants for the tournament and also contributed Company branded/Shirts for them to be attired in. New India Insurance Company made a financial contribution towards the expenses in hosting the tournament which would be the biggest ever organised in Berbice. Vice President of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Mark Papannah expressed gratitude to both Companies for their support and stated that the Club despite a few minor problems was working overtime to make the event a highly successful one. Special thanks were expressed to Yokohama Trading Marketing Executive Ray De Fraites and to New India Insurance Branch Manager Sarswatie Basdeo for the roles the both played in obtaining the sponsorship.

The Patron’s Cup would bowl off on Saturday 1st July, 2017, and a release from Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club said that President David Granger has confirmed his presence for the finals on Saturday 8th July, 2017. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club’s Patron would share out all the prizes and hand over $2M worth of bicycles, school bags and cricket balls to less fortunate students and cricket clubs. The Tournament would be played at the Intermediate/ Second Division level with no Guyana contracted players or CPL players be allowed to play due to reasons beyond the control of the organisers. The eight teams that have confirmed their participation are Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Albion, Young Warriors, Blairmont, Tucber Park, Young Achievers, Kildonan and Upper Corentyne.

The prize package of $1M has already been secured and the winning team would carry home $500 000.00 and the Green Economy Trophy. First, Second and Third Runnerup would receive $300 000.00, $100 000.00 and $50 000.00 respectively while the Man of the Finals would pocket $50 000.00. The four teams that are knocked out on the first wound would receive $15 000.00.

Entrance to the venue would be Free.

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB/Hand-In-Hand U-19 Inter-County 3-day…

Rain ensures Demerara retain title – Yadram named MVP

Pg 22

Champions! The victorious Demerara team along with GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie (far left); Chairman of Junior Selectors Nazimul Drepaul (second from right) and Hand-InHand Business Development Supervisor Shafeena Juman

India steamroll Bangladesh, set up ICC Champions Trophy final vs Pakistan Pg 21

Virat Kohli was particularly pleased after Sabbir Rahman's wicket © AFP

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